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.

Grantmaking at a Glance - list of grants and deadlines

Places & Neighborhoods Grant Program

New in 2024, the Places & Neighborhoods Grant Program will award $100,000. Funding range per grant: $2,500 to $25,000. Application closed February 29. Grant is open to Macon, Piatt, Moultrie Counties and Paris, Illinois organizations.

Purpose & Types of Projects Supported

  • To support local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in neighborhoods or a specific community.
  • Encourage and support the work of neighborhood groups, nonprofits, schools, churches and government organizations trying to preserve and/or improve the quality of life in the areas they serve.
  • We want neighbors to feel connected to one another and to have access to programs and events within their community that are engaging and inspire a sense of belonging.
  • Priority for projects that have a long-term impact for the community and its residents, promote community participation and engagement, and/or encourages public art, community engagement in the humanities.

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 2023, the CommunityWorks Endowment Fund awarded $250,000 in community grants to not-for-profit organizations in Macon County. This program funds three priority areas: workforce development, education and environmental sustainability. In 2024, this grant program will award $400,000 and is open to Macon, Piatt and Moultrie Counties and Paris, Illinois, organizations.

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. The microgrant application closed Jan. 31, 2024.

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.



Interested in learning more?

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