Coles County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was awarded $1,474 to attend the National CASA Conference. This grant will allow Coles County CASA staff to utilize information from the conference as they recruit, train, and monitor volunteer advocates. Two office staff persons, the Executive Director and the Advocate Coordinator, will attend the conference. The changes expected as a result of attending the conference include building skills and acquiring tools that will enhance the abilities of staff to train and advise volunteer advocates as they speak up for abused and neglected children.
Arts Connection of Central Illinois was awarded a microgrant in the amount of $787 to enhance fundraising at the Effingham Performance Center (EPC). Attending this course offering will allow the organization to develop the strategies needed to insure the long-term stability of the EPC by refining our long-term fund raising goals. The course will be taken by the Director of Development. As our long-term plan is developed, the organization expects to see an increase in the number of supporters along with the dollar amount they provide.
Effingham County Courthouse Cultural Center and Museum was awarded a microgrant in the amount of $787 to hire a consultant to provide strategic training for the Board of Directors. This training opportunity will explore the scope and realities of current status compared to long-term vision, clarify that vision, establish priorities and develop a realistic timeline. Finally, the facilitator will clarify Vision Goals for current planning horizon and develop goal achievement plans including obstacles, solutions and action steps.
The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation and goodWORKSconnect have teamed up, with the support of the Lumpkin Family Foundation, and created microgrant opportunities for nonprofits within the region. Microgrants are up to $1,500 for attendance by non-profits staff and board members at trainings and professional development programs to improve the management, governance or leadership of the applicant organization.