Community Foundation Raises, Distributes $25,000 for Local Arts Organizations

Community donors answered the call throughout the month of July as the Community Foundation took part in a match grant challenge issued by the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund. Any dollars raised by the July 30th deadline were matched by 50% from the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund. 

“The arts are such an important part of our region’s character, and the generosity of donors to this effort are testament to that,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “We are grateful to those who contributed to help us receive these matching funds that otherwise would have gone to another community.”

One hundred percent of the funds generated were used for operating grants for two local arts organizations; Quincy Community Theatre and Arts Quincy, which were selected through an application process administered through the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund. 

Quincy Community Theatre is the recipient of a $15,000 grant to be used for operational support. “The generosity of businesses, individuals, and funders like The Community Foundation have been tremendously helpful as we work to offset the significant revenue shortfall we currently face due to the postponement of our 2020 season,” said Quincy Community Theatre Executive Director Sara Reuschel. 

Arts Quincy is the recipient of a $10,000 grant to be used to support and sustain their programming through the COVID-19 pandemic. “You’re helping to support arts access throughout all of Quincy and Adams County at a time where the arts are bringing peace and comfort to those who need it most,” said Arts Quincy Executive Director Laura Sievert.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and continues to have, a devastating impact on the creative community. Now, more than ever, our arts community needs this support to sustain local assets that inspire, educate, and entertain us.

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 state, Arts for Illinois has partnered with Illinois Community Foundations for this 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.