Discretionary Grant Programs
Strengthening the nonprofit community through grantmaking and other services is critical to our mission of building a better community.
The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation helps nonprofits carry out their important work by awarding grants, forging community partnerships and educating community philanthropists and partners about the organizations that are most aligned with their charitable interests.
Places & Neighborhoods Grant Program
New in 2024, the Places & Neighborhoods Grant Program awarded $100,000.
2024 Places & Neighborhoods Grant Recipients:
- Holy Family School, outdoor STEM area, $2,500
- Unity Christian School, outdoor landscaping, $2,500
- Decatur Area Arts Council, electrical box vinyl wraps, $7,500
- Children’s Museum of Illinois, outdoor percussion instruments, $10,000
- The Kirby Foundation, wellness trail pocket gardens, $10,000
- Life Changers Church, senior urban garden collaboration with Eisenhower High School ag students, $10,000
- Warrensburg Corn Festival, community stage, $10,000
- Warrensburg Elementary School, playground upgrades, $10,000
- Monticello CUSD #25 Schools, exterior community gathering places, $12,500
- Decatur Park District, Garfield Park renovations, $25,000
CommunityWorks Endowment Grant Program
In 2024, the CommunityWords Endowment Grant Program will award $400,000 and is open to Macon, Piatt and Moultrie Counties and Paris, Illinois, organizations. This program funds three priority areas: workforce development, education and environmental sustainability. The application portal opened April 9 and closes May 7.
Impact200 Grant Program
Annually, the Impact100 Grant Program contributes at least $100,000 in community grants to not-for-profit organizations. In 2024, the fund will award $200,000 and is open to Macon, Piatt, Moultrie Counties and Paris, Illinois, organizations.
Educational Grant Programs
In addition to our annual CommunityWorks grant program, the HICF administers several donor advised and endowed funds which provide educational support.
Equity and Inclusion Grant Program
The Equity and Inclusion Fund and the Racial Equity Fund provide grant funding to move us toward a more equitable and inclusive society and support the causes and organizations that recognize, value and embrace the differences among us.
Microgrant Program
Microgrants are strategic investments in people and organizations to be used to defray the cost of attending programs targeted at improving the management, governance and leadership of the applicant organization. Click here to view microgrant recipients.
Untold Stories Program
Launched in February, Untold Stories is a $120,000 grant program focused on partnering with community groups to acknowledge and uncover untold history, support partnerships and build relationships. This program is for Macon County organizations.
