Bailee joins Program Officer Kent Embree in administering the Community Foundation’s grant programs. As Program Manager, Bailee will manage grant processes, coordinate the Foundation’s annual scholarship program, and support program evaluation and development.

“As the Community Foundation’s grantmaking has grown, so has our need to ensure that our grant programs are efficient, effective, and impactful. We are fortunate that this growth has led us to create the Program Manager position,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “Bailee’s keen organizational skills, coupled with her nonprofit experience and passion for community, will serve our grantees, donors, and mission well.” 

In 2023, grants from the Community Foundation exceeded $5 million and include the annual Community Grant program, scholarships, donor advised fund grants, and strategic grants targeting childcare, workforce development, nonprofit capacity building, and literacy. Additionally, the Community Foundation manages endowment funds and grants that benefit specific local nonprofit agencies.

Duesterhaus comes to the Community Foundation with experience in community engagement and grant administration including positions as an Academic Advisor for the TRiO grant at John Wood Community College and, most recently, as an Account Manager at the Knowledge Center at Chaddock. 

Duesterhaus has prioritized community involvement both in her career and as a volunteer, working with the Unit 4 School District in Ursa and Mendon. 

“I am excited to use my experience with grant administration and nonprofit management to work for an organization that is making an impact across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. It has always been important to me to engage in my community, and joining the Community Foundation team provides a unique opportunity to do that.”