Grants

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

Jacquelyn Jordan Anderson was deeply involved in the development of community programs designed to benefit the youth of Effingham County. As a renowned artist, Jacky was also committed to the promotion of Fine Arts programs. She felt the future of a community depended on the strength of its youth and their ability to express themselves creatively.

Bill Anderson was a long-time and respected member of the Effingham community. A renowned lithographer, color separator, cartoonist, and painter, Bill was a terrific artist in his own right.

The Bill and Jacquelyn Jordan Anderson Fund for Visual Arts provides grants to benefit the arts in Effingham County.

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

The Bill and Jacquelyn Jordan Anderson Fund for Youth provides grants to benefit the youth of Effingham County.

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

The Central Rural Teacher Corps supports our current and future pipeline of quality teachers for schools in southeastern Illinois. An unprecedented teacher shortage is on the horizon, especially in the STEM and special needs areas. Public school systems are why many small towns exist. Families will not relocate to small communities unless they believe public school systems are strong.

The purpose of the fund is to support future and new rural teachers in southeastern Illinois, especially those who participate in Rural Teacher Corps in high school, community college, or EIU.

The Rural Teacher Corps prepares future rural teachers who:

• Have a strong sense of place, mission, and rural identity
• Have a more comprehensive understanding of rural “issues,” including economic-, environmental-, and justice-related
• Are savvy communicators, networkers, and users of new media
• Recognize the imperative to and value of collaboration-within a school, across the community, and between diverse rural regions
• Are perceived as community leaders and catalysts for change

REQUIREMENTS

The Central Illinois Rural Teacher Corps Fund will be awarding up to 5 $200 teacher grants to 1st and 2nd-year teachers at K-12 schools in southeastern Illinois (Effingham, Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Crawford, Shelby, Fayette, Jasper, Richland, Lawrence, and Clay Counties).

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

The application is open to teachers of Jasper County Community Unit 1 who may apply for a classroom grant for the 2023-2024 school year. Two classroom grants are available in the amount of $500.00 each. The grant is in honor of Cloyce and Barbara Johnson.

Cloyce Johnson was born and raised on a farm a few miles southwest of Newton. He was one of ten children of Dee and Viola Johnson. Barbara “Bobbie” Weber grew up in Newton as one of three children of Ed and Zella Weber. Cloyce and Bobbie met at Newton high school and were married in 1948. The family moved to Lawrenceville where Cloyce worked as an electric lineman. Bobbie obtained a degree in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University and spent many wonderful years as a teacher.

After retirement, even though Cloyce and Bobbie had developed many friendships and activities in Lawrenceville, they realized that they were “Eagles for Life” and moved back to Newton where they lived most of the rest of their lives. Since both were passionate believers in education, those who loved them have established the Cloyce and Barbara Johnson Education Endowment fund to help schools and students in Newton and Jasper County.

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

The Coles County Peace and Justice Fund awards grants to organizations in Coles County for programs and activities that encourage mutual trust and promote cross-cultural understanding on matters of social justice, human rights, religious tolerance, and environmental protection.  Projects and programs may include but aren’t limited to: speakers and expenses related to hosted public programs; organizational diversity training; cross-cultural, organizational collaboration; and the purchase of materials (e.g., books and videos), which promote diversity and encourage greater public understanding.           Grants will range in size from $1,000 to $7,000- only one application per grant cycle.

Successful grantees will have the following characteristics:

• Work to understand and address the root causes of the issues, not just the symptoms.
• See itself as part of a more significant movement for social change and work towards strengthening that movement.
• Preference will be given to projects that engage Coles County youth.

Eligible projects must provide a direct benefit to Coles County residents and address significant, unmet needs.

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

The shareholders, managers, and employees of Consolidated Communications value their connection to the communities in which they live and in which the company does business.  We know our lives are greatly enhanced by the good works of many men and women working on staff or as volunteers with the community and nonprofit organizations.  As well, our community is made more vibrant by the creativity and effort of those working across sectors, as entrepreneurs or educators, to drive a vibrant, local economy.  Nonprofit organizations that support the efforts of these community leaders are frequently undercapitalized and often lack the financial resources or the human capital – but not the potential – to build truly great institutions and communities.  This Fund has been created to recognize their good works and to provide incentives to achieve the fullest community potential.

Mission and Grant Areas: Economic Development and Community Leadership

• Grants will provide support to organizations that contribute to building workforce skills, encouraging entrepreneurship, or enhancing the environment for business development in Coles County
• Grants will build organizational strength and leadership capacity through projects focused on building skills and knowledge in the following areas: Fundraising, Organizational Development and Governance, Finance and Management, Marketing and Communications, and Technology.
• Grants may support diverse activities such as training opportunities for specific organizations, grants that enhance communications infrastructure among and between organizations or the nonprofit sector through innovation or re-organization, and speakers.
• Grants may be provided directly to organizations seeking development or to organizations developing programs on behalf of others.

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

Robert and Julie Began, along with their daughter, Hannah, established the Heather Began Memorial Education Fund in memory of their daughter, Heather.  The fund will offer a grant opportunity to K-5 educators at Altamont Elementary School, Altamont, Illinois, Rover Elementary School in Tempe, AZ, Ballard Nature Center in Altamont, Illinois, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Heather passed away on October 5, 2019, in Phoenix, Arizona, as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She was 25 years old. Heather, a graduate of Altamont High School, was a first-grade teacher at Estrella Vista Elementary in Avondale, Arizona.

Heather was able to fulfill her dream of teaching young students before her life was cut short.  Now her parents want to carry on Heather’s legacy by helping elementary teachers enhance their classrooms through grants from the Heather Began Memorial Fund.

REQUIREMENTS

Grant Applicant:

Must be a K-5th Grade classroom teacher for Altamont Grade School, Rover Elementary School, Ballard Nature Center or Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center. Grants will be $500.

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

The Mattoon Foundation for Academic Excellence is a charitable fund committed to promoting community involvement and family engagement in education projects and programming for the Mattoon Community Unit District No. 2.

What does community engagement mean in education?
Community engagement is a two-way street where the school, families, and the community actively work together, creating networks of shared responsibility for student success. It is a tool that promotes civic well-being and strengthens the capacity of schools, families, and communities to support young people’s full development.

Additionally, when students can utilize the community as their classroom, the bond between school and community is strengthened, and students gain pride and a more significant appreciation of the cultures and histories of their community. In the long term, students see how they can make a difference in their community through their learning experiences.

Examples of community engagement include local community-based organizations and businesses working as partners with the school; community residents actively participating in the education of young people; advocates and community associations bringing resources to schools; and the school actively reaching out to be a resource to the community.

Requirements
The Mattoon Foundation for Academic Excellence Community Engagement Grants will fund projects that connect classrooms and students to the local community and include the following:

1. Projects must consist of some level of community engagement.
2. The project must address a curricular outcome.
3. The project should be student-driven.

Who can apply?
Teachers and staff in Mattoon Community Unit School District 2 are encouraged to apply.
All applicants must show support from their school administrator and any community partners that will be a part of the project. Administrator and Community Partner references will be a required part of the application.

Two (2) community engagement grants up to $10,000 each will be awarded for the 2023/24 school year. Award decisions will be announced by late September 2023.

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

“The Mattoon Foundation for Academic Excellence (MFAE) is a charitable fund committed to promoting community involvement and family engagement in education projects and programming. It is not the purpose of the Mattoon Foundation for Academic Excellence to fund, either fully or partially, any project, capital expenditure, or other ideas that are in the ordinary course, scope, or funding by the Mattoon Community Unit District No. 2.

Family Engagement
When families, schools, and communities partner in promoting learning and healthy development for all children, schools thrive, and student outcomes increase. Research indicates that when parents are engaged with their children’s education, whether in school or at home, students do better academically. Regardless of socio-economic background, students with involved parents are more likely to earn high grades and test scores, enroll in higher-level programs, attend school regularly, show improved behavior, and develop better social skills (Henderson & Mapp, 2002).

Requirements
The MFAE Family Engagement Mini-Grants will fund efforts that promote family engagement with schools for improved student learning and healthy development, including projects or ideas that help:

1. Develop systems that support family engagement
2. Build welcoming and supportive environments for families
3. Enhance communication with families, or
4. Include families in decision making

For a more detailed description of the Family Engagement Standards of Effective Practice, outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education, visit https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Family-Engagement-Framework- Guide.aspx.

Who can apply?
Teachers and staff members serving students and their families in Mattoon Community Unit School District 2 are encouraged to apply.

Up to five (5) $1,000 family engagement mini-grants will be awarded for Fall 2023. Award decisions will be announced by late September 2023.”

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

Siemer Milling Company is a family and employee-owned company with mills located in Hopkinsville, KY, W. Harrison, IN, and Teutopolis, IL. The organization has realized success to date because of the commitment of many fine people and their sincere desire to do a good job and deliver a worthwhile product. As the company grows, it will always emphasize attentiveness to the legitimate needs of its employees, customers, and the communities of which they are a part.

The Siemer Milling Company Fund established in 2006 provides a permanent source of funding to programs in Effingham County, Illinois and Christian County, Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana that support the development of young leaders.

Why is Youth Leadership Development important?
For youth to be prepared to work in partnership with adults, they need to develop and enhance their leadership skills. Leadership training prepares youth to manage time, work as a team, set goals, start conversations, facilitate meetings, and make a difference. Promoting youth leadership development is a great way to promote positive life skills learning and prepare the next generation of leaders in our businesses, churches, and community.

The Siemer Milling Company Endowment awards grants to programs aimed at developing youth (ages 19 and under) to become extraordinary leaders by investing in the leadership skills required for improving our shared life, such as:

ENTERPRISE SAVVY — The ability to leverage opportunities with integrity and innovation; to make the right decisions and achieve results.

CONSCIENCE — Strong moral/religious character, working to have an ethical impact on the community.

COLLABORATIVE COMMUNICATION — The ability to engage others inclusively across teams, functions, and cultures, effectively marketing ideas.

Requirements
The Siemer Milling Company Fund for Youth Leadership Development is available in 2023. To be considered for a grant from the Siemer Milling Company Fund for Youth Leadership Development, organizations must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

1. Organizations must be a public charity with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under certain circumstances, applications from public entities such as school districts, municipalities, or unincorporated groups or associations may be considered.

2. Organizations must operate or serve youth (ages 19 and under) within Effingham County, IL and Christian County, KY, and Dearborn County, IN.

3. Organizations must address how their programs are promoting youth leadership development. For this grant, youth leadership can be targeted towards any age and does include education-based approaches.

4. In all cases, the applicant organization/program must have a clear charitable purpose. Please contact Kristen Bertrand, Program Officer, if you have questions regarding eligibility; at kristen@southeasternillinois.org or 217-342-5413.

5. Youth are encouraged to complete the application, with assistance from an adult, when possible.

6. Grant requests will be accepted for previously funded projects., but applicants will need to show how this grant funding will help build, expand, or address a specific challenge of the project.

Selection Criteria
Grant Project Request: up to 40 points
Youth Leadership Development: up to 50 points
Budget and Budget Narrative: up to 10 points

The volume of grant requests usually exceeds the number of requests we can fund. Therefore, not all organizations that are eligible will receive funding, or at the level of funding requested.

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

Since its inception in 1913, Teutopolis State Bank has been a fixture on Main Street in Teutopolis, Illinois. Over the years, they have helped local businesses, individuals and families develop, grow and sustain prosperity through their wide range of financial services. Teutopolis State Bank takes pride in giving back to the community. It is the bank’s desire to leave a lasting footprint in the communities it serves. The amount of time and effort put forth by every employee, matched with the financial resources of the institution, enables Teutopolis State Bank to support various community events that enrich and improve the lives of the people in the community. With the bank’s extensive range of civic involvement, no individual or charity is too big or too small to forego support. As the Teutopolis State Bank continues its civic involvement throughout the community, it remains dedicated to serving shareholders, clients, neighbors, and friends.

The Teutopolis State Bank Designated Fund provides grants for projects that benefit the Teutopolis, Illinois community in the following areas: civic, cultural health, health, education, and social services.

Requirements
To be considered for a grant from the Teutopolis State Bank Designated Fund, organizations must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

1. Organizations must be a public charity with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under certain circumstances, applications from public entities such as school districts, municipalities, or unincorporated groups or associations may be considered.
2. Organizations must operate or serve individuals within the community of Teutopolis, Illinois in Effingham County.
3. Grant requests must fit within the field of interest outlined above.
4. In all cases, the applicant organization/program must have a clear charitable purpose. Please contact Kristen Bertrand, Program Officer, if you have questions regarding eligibility; at kristen@southeasternillinois.org or 217-342-5413.

Selection Criteria
Proposal strength: 40 pts
Impact/Results: 50 pts
Budget: 10 pts

The volume of grant requests usually exceeds the number of requests we are able to fund. Therefore, not all organizations that are eligible will receive funding, or at the level of funding requested.

Application Opens: 08/27/2024 - Deadline: 10/01/2024

The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation proudly introduces the Untold Stories grant. This new initiative is designed to uplift the narratives of historically underrepresented individuals in Coles County. The opportunity is extended to organizations within the region, aiming to shed light on the rich tapestry of our community through these often-overlooked stories.

The Untold Stories grant is not just about uncovering the past but also contributing significantly to the ongoing dialogue surrounding racial equity and social justice. By embracing and acknowledging these narratives, we seek to enrich our understanding of history while fostering a more equitable future.

The fund is open to various institutions, including churches, colleges, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Grants, with an average award of $5,000, can be utilized for initiatives that focus on the preservation, education, and dissemination of stories related to underrepresented individuals within the community. A genuine understanding begins with reciprocal education and learning from one another. Collaborative efforts are crucial, capturing dialogue, sharing resources, and creating platforms for underrepresented voices. Through these funds, we aim to document and ensure the visibility of these narratives within the region.

The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation continues to take a leadership role in fostering and encouraging this crucial work. By concentrating efforts specifically on Coles County, we aspire to spearhead a movement that actively supports the documentation, understanding, and empowerment of marginalized individuals. Our goal is to cultivate an environment where every individual’s story is heard, valued, and respected.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must fall under one of the following categories: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, an exempt governmental unit (schools, fire departments, police departments, municipalities), or an organization with a charitable purpose. Organizations with a fiscal sponsorship agreement with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization are also eligible.

The average grant award is $5,000, and a total of $20,000 is available. If the volume of grant requests exceeds the available funding, not all eligible organizations will receive funding, and the level of funding may vary.

Successful grantees will share these characteristics:

• A commitment to understanding and addressing stories of underrepresented individuals previously unknown.
• Alignment with a larger movement for social change, actively working towards bringing these stories to light.
• Preference will be given to projects that engage citizens of Coles County.

A committee of community members will review grant requests for the Untold Stories fund. The process is competitive, and incomplete applications will not be considered. Grant applications will be accepted online from August 27, 2024, through October 1, 2024. For those preferring a paper application, please get in touch with Kristen Bertrand at 217-342-5413.

Applicants may be invited to an interview with the Fund Advisory Committee. Funding decisions will be made by November 15, 2024, and awards may be utilized anytime from the receipt of funds through October 1, 2025.