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Community Foundation Partners with Arts for Illinois Relief Fund for Match Grant Challenge

Any dollar amount raised by July 30 will be matched by 50% for a local Arts for Illinois Relief Fund

The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri is partnering with the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund to generate support for local arts organizations that have been impacted by financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But, the deadline to participate is quickly approaching. Any dollars raised by the community by July 30 will be matched 50% by the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund and will be used as operating grants for local arts organizations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and continues to have, a devastating impact on the creative community. Assessed organizational losses through April alone across the state exceed $84 million. Now, more than ever, our arts community needs support to sustain our local assets that inspire, educate, and entertain us. 

“The arts are a core part of what makes our communities special. Our region is host to creative amenities that even metropolitan areas would be proud of, from theater to visual arts,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “But, like many nonprofit organizations, our arts community is facing unprecedented challenges due to canceled seasons, closed doors, and postponed fundraisers. This is an opportunity for the community to step up and help generate arts funds that will otherwise go to another region.”

The Arts for Illinois Relief Fund is a collaboration between the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, led by Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker and Chicago First Lady Amy Eshleman. The Arts for Illinois Relief Fund provides immediate grants directly to arts and cultural organization to help those unable to pay staff or keep their lights on during this temporary shut-down. In an effort to ensure funds make an impact throughout the entire state, Arts for Illinois has partnered with Illinois Community Foundations for this match challenge.

One hundred percent of the funds generated will be used for operating grants to local arts organizations.

Donors may contribute to the fund by mailing or dropping off a gift to the Community Foundation at 4531 Maine Street, Suite A, Quincy and indicating the gift is for “Arts Relief.” Gifts are also accepted online. Gifts must be received by July 30 in order to be included in the match challenge. 
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The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri builds permanent charitable funds to assist area nonprofits and communities. 

Its mission, “connecting people who care with causes that matter,” is achieved by gathering funds, growing them through investments, then granting to nonprofit organizations, causes or communities that mean the most to its donors.   

Since 1997, the Community Foundation has made more than $8 million in grants. It serves 12-counties: Adams, Brown, Hancock and Pike in Illinois and Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike, Knox, Shelby and Monroe in Missouri.  

The Community Foundation has IRS 501(c)(3) status, and contributions made to the Community Foundation generally qualify for the maximum allowable deductions for income and estate tax purposes.  

For more information, call 217-222-1237, email info@mycommunityfoundation.org or go to mycommunityfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/mycommunityfoundation.

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