Community Foundation Marks 26th Anniversary with $1.1 Million Bequest and New Downtown Office

Since its establishment in 1997, the Community Foundation has distributed more than $18 million in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. These grants are made possible by more than 230 charitable funds, most of them endowed, that help donors meet their own personal charitable goals, create a legacy of philanthropy, and give back to their community in perpetuity. 

During remarks at the Friends of Philanthropy event, Community Foundation CEO Catherine Meckes shared two significant updates. First, news was shared of a $1.1 million bequest to support grantmaking throughout the region. Additionally, Meckes announced that the Community Foundation will relocate to its office at 621 Vermont Street starting in the upcoming year. 

Commencing the Community Foundation’s Friends of Philanthropy Celebration, CEO Catherine Meckes announced a $1.1 million bequest from the late Barbara L. McLean. The gift was planned through her Individual Retirement Account (IRA), with additional support forthcoming through her Trust.

Those who knew Barb described her as an extraordinary, smart woman with a heart of gold who was full of stories about her unique life.

An animal lover, she enjoyed horseback riding and caring for her beloved dachshund, Brandi Boo. She also enjoyed antiques, local arts events, and the St. Louis Cardinals. She was dedicated to her family farm, managing the day-to-day business and assisting her father in showing his Angus cattle – including their prize Angus Bull, O’Bardoliermere. Most of all, she loved her community.

As Barb began making preparations for her estate, she met with her trusted professional advisors and legal counsel to discuss how she could make a difference. 

While Barb had many interests, the common thread was the community which she and her family loved and built success in. With her advisors’ help, she named the Community Foundation as a beneficiary to her IRA and Trust.

Barb’s bequest to the Community Foundation will support the Community Endowment Fund, our region’s civic endowment. The Community Endowment Fund is a permanent, charitable fund that supports needs and opportunities in West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri through grants and proactive programs like the Nonprofit Excellence Initiative, which aims to build the effectiveness of local nonprofits. 

“To give broadly, like Barbara, is powerful and grand,” said Meckes. “Her gift is not just to the Community Foundation, but to our entire region. Donors to our Community Endowment Fund are selfless and visionary. Through this gift, and with every grant made from it, that is how Barbara will forever be remembered.”

Through her forward-thinking gift, Barb’s legacy is permanent and will support the community that mattered to her for generations to come.

The new year will bring new opportunities for the Community Foundation as it prepares to relocate to a permanent office location at 621 Vermont Street in downtown Quincy. 

“This strategic investment underscores the Community Foundation's dedication to fostering growth, embracing innovation, and making a lasting impact on the region,” said Community Foundation Board Chair Lance Grady. “This move aligns with the Foundation’s mission, and we anticipate that the enhanced facilities will enable us to better serve our partners. I am fully confident that this move will not only meet our current needs but will allow for future expansion as our organization continues to thrive.”

The Community Foundation’s new office will feature a collaborative workspace and meeting area, conference room, and consultation room, in addition to staff offices all on one level for full accessibility.

“The purchase of 621 Vermont represents not only an investment in the Community Foundation’s mission, but in our community,” said Meckes. “Our vision is a trusted space to convene community partners, support nonprofits, and host important philanthropic conversations in. We are excited for the opportunity to plant roots in Quincy’s civic hub to further our commitment to growing philanthropy in our region. We are grateful to all those who have made this milestone possible.”

Operations will continue at the Community Foundation’s current office at 4531 Maine Street through December 29 and transition to 621 Vermont thereafter, with an official open date planned for January, upon completion of minor renovations. Any mail sent after December 26 should be addressed to 621 Vermont Street. Those who wish to schedule appointments or drop off materials after December 29 should call 217-222-1237 to coordinate.