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Local nonprofits received a total of $284,311 in grant funding from the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri today at an awards presentation at the Knowledge Center at Chaddock. These grants, which are made possible by 65 permanently endowed charitable funds, will play an important role in assisting nonprofit organizations dedicated to arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services in our region. The grants will support various programs, help with the purchase of essential equipment and supplies, and contribute to much-needed operational expenses. "Over the last three years, we have experienced a 60 percent increase in the number of applications. This demonstrates the growing need in our community as well as the demand for services that our nonprofit organizations experience in their daily work," said Community Foundation Program Officer Kent Embree. "Thanks to endowment, we’re able to fulfill more of this need each year. We are proud to offer a program that is accessible to so many charitable organizations and causes, and we are looking forward to seeing the great work they will do this year." Through the Community Grant program, the Community Foundation strives to strengthen nonprofit programs that enhance the quality of life throughout our region. The Community Foundation annually accepts applications for funding from nonprofit organizations in its 12-county region. A grant committee, comprised of board members and volunteers from throughout the region, evaluates each application to determine the awards. The funding for these Community Grants is made possible through earnings from endowment funds. Generous donors collaborate with the Community Foundation to establish permanent charitable funds that align with their philanthropic goals and the needs of the community. The Community Foundation invests and grows these funds, and each year a portion of the fund's earnings are distributed as grants, while the principal remains intact. “Nonprofits are vital for enhancing the quality of life in our communities,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful to the donors who have established endowments that will continue to grow and provide more funding each and every year. The impact is unlimited.” The following funds supported the 2024 community grant program: Community Endowment Funds, support grants for arts and culture, community betterment, education, health and human services in the Community Foundation’s 12-county service area: • Anonymous Funds (2) • B’nai Shalom Endowment • Karl H. & Bobbi Bowles Family and Quincy Farm & Home Supply Company Fund • Dr. & Mrs. Merle F. Crossland Family Fund • Harry Channon Eaton Family Endowment Fund • Angie (Fusselman) Mayes & Evelyn J. Fusselman Fund • Harry J. & Bernice M. Wissman Heidbreder Fund • Kirk Family Fund – Houston, Carolyn & Carson • Carl and Gladys Koehser Family Fund • Mrs. Arthur O. Lindsay Fund • Robert A. & Anne M. Mays Fund • Earl and Irene Oliver Family Fund • Robert G. and Melva Campbell Riley Fund • Charles A. & Nancy Scholz Charitable Fund • Margaret J. Sinnock Fund • Bette J. Starnes Endowment • Hansen-Spear Funeral Home Endowment • Jeffrey G. & Theresa L. Spear Fund • Grant L. and K. Georgann Sturhahn Fund • Dorothy L. Swallow Fund • Community Endowment Fund • James R. and Katherine H. Williams Fund • Carl, Althea & Cathy Wiskirchen Endowment Funds for Adams County, support any charitable need or opportunity in Adams County, Illinois: • Adams County Endowment Fund • Alan L. Stiegemeier and Mary Ellen Stiegemeier Charitable Fund • HOMEBANK of Quincy Fund • Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund • William and Sheila Menke Endowment Field of Interest Funds, support a specific cause or community as determined by the donor: • Jerry & Linley Bartell Endowment • Blessing Hospital Community Health Fund • Ben and Helen Bumbry Educational Assistance Endowment • Jayne & Leroy Boeckelman Fund for Young Musicians • Katherine Broemmel Endowment for the Arts • City of Refuge Fund • Noma Meyers Eaton Fund • Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund • HOMEBANK Fund • Jane's Kids' Fund • Jon’s Home Center Associates Fund • G. Arthur (Art) Keller, Jr. Fund • Irwin Family Fund • Cory Didriksen Lovelace Fund • Dr. Robert and Shirley Murphy Endowment for Music • The Quincy Foundation Fund • Quincy Recycle Fund • James L. & Dorothy W. Rouner Fund • The Wood Endowment County Endowment Funds, support nonprofit organizations in a specific county: • Brown County Endowment Fund (IL) • Hancock County Endowment Fund (IL) • Lewis County Endowment Fund (MO) • Marion County Endowment Fund (MO) • Monroe County Endowment Fund (MO) • Pike County Endowment Fund (IL) • Shelby County Endowment Fund (MO) Donor Advised Funds, allow a fund advisor to recommend grant recipients. Donor advisors may recommend grants at any time throughout the year, but are encouraged to consider grants in support of Community Grant requests: • Sarah Christine Birsic Memorial Fund • Green-Humphrey Family Fund for Music • Diane Nielsen Gossard Memorial Fund • Joe and Denette Kuhlman Family Fund • T. C. & Mary S. Oakley Descendants Fund • Ralph Oakley Family Fund • Optimist Club of Quincy Friend of Youth Fund • Palmyra Chamber of Commerce Prosperity Fund • Betty Schmidt Endowment • The Zechariah Fund These are among the 230+ funds at the Community Foundation that support arts and culture, community betterment, education, health or human services, include eight new funds contributing grant dollars for the 2024 program. This year’s grant recipients include: Adams County Bicentennial Adams County Historical Timeline Monument Betty Schmidt Endowment, Funds for Adams County, United States Founding Fathers Fund Adams County Sheriff Sheriff Work Alternative Program Improvement Project Funds for Adams County Advocacy Network for Children General Support Community Endowment Funds Bella Ease Funding CARES 2024 youth after-school program Jerry and Linley Bartell Endowment, Funds for Adams County, Community Endowment Funds, Optimist Club of Quincy Friend of Youth Fund Bluff City Theater Building the Next Generation of Theater Audience Noma Meyers Eaton Fund, Community Endowment Funds Boy Scouts of America - Mississippi Valley Council #141 Financial Assistance for Youth in Adams, Pike, Brown, Hancock, and Clark Community Endowment Funds Bright Futures Knox County General Support of Bright Futures Knox County Community Endowment Funds, G. Arthur (Art) Keller, Jr. Fund Brown County Early Learning Center NFP General Support Jon's Home Center Associates Fund Canton Main Street Association Historical Preservation - Exterior Facade Grantmaking Lewis County Endowment Fund Carthage Park District Creating An Outdoor Space that will Create Lasting Memories Community Endowment Funds Chaddock Children's Foundation Kids On The Block Puppetry materials for educational awareness Funds for Adams County, Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund CHART Teen Task Force Sexuality Education in Northeast Missouri Schools Marion County Endowment Fund Cheerful Home Child Care & Early Learning Center Arts in the Outdoors Jon's Home Center Associates Fund Clark County Council on Aging, Inc. Operating Funds Community Endowment Funds Community for Christ Assistance Center Utilities and Food for Families in Need Funds for Adams County, Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund Connect Child and Family Solutions General Support Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund, Funds for Adams County Cornerstone Foundations for Families Comprehensive Youth Services Ralph Oakley Family Fund County of Ralls Missouri Fort Mason Monument Project Community Endowment Funds Covered Bottoms Diaper Bank, Inc. Bridging the Diaper Gap in West Central IL Blessing Hospital Community Health Fund, Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund Coyote Hill Coyote Hill Foster Family Community Groups Marion County Endowment Fund, Community Endowment Funds Culver-Stockton College: Tri-State Development Community Project Support for Entrepreneurship Community Endowment Funds Douglass Community Services, Inc. Kids in Motion - Youth development and leadership program, housing services Jon's Home Center Associates Fund, Community Endowment Funds, Marion County Endowment Fund, Ralph Oakley Family Fund Downtown Monroe City Revitalization Leadership Enhancement Monroe County Endowment Fund MC Rec Center General Support Community Endowment Funds First Chance for Children Bab Bags Diaper Bank Community Endowment Funds Food For Thoughts Hancock County Week-End Meal Program Community Endowment Funds, Hancock County Endowment Fund Friends of the Castle General Support Community Endowment Funds, Funds for Adams County Friends of the Performing Arts/Quincy Public Schools Quincy Junior High School Tubas Funds for Adams County, Green-Humphrey Family Fund for Music, Ben & Helen Bumbry Educational Assistance Endowment Girl Scouts of Central Illinois Girl Scout Leadership Experience - Adams, Brown, Hancock, and Pike Counties Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund, Community Endowment Funds Great Commission Broadcasting Corporation - WGCA-FM Area betterment through promoting local nonprofits Funds for Adams County Hancock County Senior and Childcare Services Striving to Meet the Childcare Needs of Hancock County Hancock County Endowment Fund, Community Endowment Funds, G. Arthur (Art) Keller, Jr. Fund Hannibal Arts Council Hannibal Operating Support Community Endowment Funds Heartland Resources, Inc. General Support Lewis County Endowment Fund, Community Endowment Funds Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County Lighting Upgrade for Visitors Center Collection Storage Area Funds for Adams County, The Quincy Foundation Fund, Community Endowment Funds Horizons Social Services of Adams County, Inc. KidzPacks 2024-2025 Fruit Initiative Ralph Oakley Family Fund Impact Global General Support Ralph Oakley Family Fund Jensen Camp Foundation Superior Sleep for Summer Stays Community Endowment Funds Jim's Journey: the Huck Finn Freedom Center General Support Museum artifact/documents Replacement Community Endowment Funds Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis General Support Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund Kairo’s Hope General support of residential program for survivors of sexual trauma Sarah Christine Birsic Memorial Fund Lewis County Food Pantry Ending Hunger 2024 Lewis County Endowment Fund, Community Endowment Funds Lewis County Health Department Enhancing Preventative Health Screenings in Lewis County, MO Lewis County Endowment Fund, Ralph Oakley Family Fund Memorial Hospital Expanding and Enhancing Emergency Preparedness in Hancock County Community Endowment Funds, The Wood Endowment Muddy River Opera Company Premiere Program-Providing the Community with Opera Experience The Quincy Foundation Fund NECAC - North East Community Action Corporation Empower Successful Students Community Endowment Funds NorthEast Independent Living Services Durable Medical Equipment Community Endowment Funds, Marion County Endowment Fund Northeast Missouri Humane Society General Support Community Endowment Funds OATS Inc. Enhance transit experience for North East Missouri communities Community Endowment Funds Palmyra Christian Academy Playground Construction HOMEBANK Fund Pike County Government / Pike County Liaison Committee Support for the Pike County Animal Shelter TNR Program (Trap-Neuter-Return) Community Endowment Funds, Pike County Endowment Fund Pike County Senior Citizen's Council General Support Pike County Endowment Fund Pike County Unmet Needs Provide individuals in the Pike County, IL assistance with basic needs and services Community Endowment Funds, Pike County Endowment Fund Pleasant Hill Senior Citizens Council General Support Pike County Endowment Fund QUEST Stables-Quincy Equestrian Services and Therapy NFP Scholarships for Equine Therapy Sessions for Area Special Needs Students The Zechariah Fund Quincy Art Center Quincy Art Center Starting with Art Initiative FY25 The Quincy Foundation Fund, Funds for Adams County, Community Endowment Funds Quincy Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry 2024 Community Endowment Funds Quincy Children's Museum Museums for All Funds for Adams County, Joe & Denette Kuhlman Family Fund Quincy Children's Museum Ready. Set. GROW. Funds for Adams County, Community Endowment Funds Quincy Community Theatre General support of Quincy Community Theatre Katherine Broemmel Endowment for the Arts Quincy Concert Band General support of Quincy Concert Band Katherine Broemmel Endowment for the Arts, Funds for Adams County Quincy Humane Society Pet Food and Supplies Pantry Program 2024 Funds for Adams County Quincy Museum, Inc. Quincy Museum Education Revitalization Project Funds for Adams County, The Quincy Foundation Fund, Community Endowment Funds Quincy Public Library Quincy Public Library Big Read 2024 Funds for Adams County Quincy Public Schools Foundation General Support Funds for Adams County Quincy Society of Fine Arts Instant Arts Classrooms + Full School Arts Field Trips Irwin Family Fund, Funds for Adams County, Community Endowment Funds Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association Four Quincy Community Symphony Youth Program Jayne & Leroy Boeckelman Fund for Young Musicians, Dr. Robert & Shirley Murphy Endowment for Music Education, Cory Didriksen Lovelace Fund, Funds for Adams County Quincy University LiveU Solo Pro Equipment T. C. & Mary S. Oakley Descendants Fund Ralls County Health Department Portable Vital Signs Monitors Community Endowment Funds Salvation Army of Quincy Emergency Shelter Bedding Ralph Oakley Family Fund Salvation Army of Quincy Food Boxes for Veterans Diane Nielsen Gossard Memorial Fund Salvation Army of Quincy Furniture & Toys for Child Watch Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund Special Olympics Illinois - Region H General Support o James L. & Dorothy W. Rouner Fund, Community Endowment Funds St. Dominic School Hands On Arts Experiences Funds for Adams County Teresa Adams House General Operating Funds Funds for Adams County, Community Endowment Funds The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri, Inc. Program Expansion - Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Community Endowment Funds The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri Lewis County Mobile Food Pantry Lewis County Endowment Fund, Community Endowment Funds The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri Food Aid for Children in Monroe County, Missouri Community Endowment Funds The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri Food Aid for Shelby County, MO Shelby County Endowment Fund, Community Endowment Funds The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri Supporting Veterans in Knox County, MO Community Endowment Funds The Heritage Seekers, Inc. High School Student Volunteer Awards Palmyra Chamber of Commerce Prosperity Fund The Legacy Theater Foundation General Support Community Endowment Funds Transitions of Western Illinois Opportunities for Adults Who Have an Intellectual/Developmental Disability Funds for Adams County Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials SNAP to Success Matching Vocational Training Funds Pike County Endowment Fund United Way of the Great River Region Emergency Food Kit Program Hancock County Endowment Fund, Community Endowment Funds University of Illinois Extension Youth Leadership Academy Betty Schmidt Endowment Funds for Adams County, Community Endowment Funds Versailles Growth Committee Versailles Park Ballfield Community Endowment Funds Versailles Township Community Building Ceiling Brown County Endowment Fund, Community Endowment Funds West Central Child Care Connection Born Learning Project Funds for Adams County, Grace United Methodist Church of Quincy Fund West Central Illinois Agency on Aging Sound System for the Quincy Senior Center Programs/Events Funds for Adams County Western Illinois University Foundation Autism Center of Excellence, Program Support Jane's Kids' Fund, Community Endowment Funds YMCA of West Central Illinois - Quincy Family YMCA Capital Planning Study Funds for Adams County YWCA of Quincy YWCA Quincy Permanent Supportive Housing Ralph Oakley Family Fund, Funds for Adams County, City of Refuge Fund In addition to today’s presentation, County Fund Councils will present grants from County Endowment Funds. Participating counties include Brown, Hancock, and Pike in Illinois and Lewis, Marion, Monroe, and Shelby in Missouri. Fund councils from each county reviewed applications from local, eligible organizations and made recommendations on grants to be awarded to best serve each county’s needs and opportunities. Grants from the remaining County Endowment Funds will be presented at County Endowment awards presentations in each county. --- 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 grants totaling more than $15 million in the 12-county service area of 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

The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri has welcomed Bailee Duesterhaus to the Community Foundation team as the organization’s first Program Manager. 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.”

Seventeen area students pursuing higher education and a local teacher have been awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships and recognition awards from the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. Recipients of the scholarships, most of which come from permanently endowed funds at the Community Foundation, will receive financial support towards the accredited post-secondary institution they are attending in the 2024-2025 school year. One fund also provides a teacher recognition award and grant to provide classroom resources. Each scholarship fund has its own criteria representing the donor’s or honoree’s interests or legacy. Most of the scholarships are endowed, which means a portion of the earnings of each fund is reinvested for continued growth, providing future scholarships and awards to deserving students. This year’s recipients include: • Jansen Lawson, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, received the Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship. • Noah Krisko, a graduate of Hannibal High School, received the Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship. • Taylor Richie, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, received the F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship. Lydia Fisher, a 2023 graduate of Quincy Senior High School and student at John Wood Community College renewed the scholarship for her sophomore year. Kayla Maguire, a 2022 graduate of Quincy Senior High School and student at John Wood Community College renewed the scholarship for her junior year. • Brady Althoff, a graduate of Payson-Seymour High School, received the Krutmeier Scholarship. • Hannah Hill, a graduate of Pleasant Hill High School, received the Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship. • Emily Depke, a graduate of Western High School, received the Marvin J Likes & Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship. • Trevor Biggerstaff, graduate of Canton High School, and Macy Hamlin and Kaley Payton, graduates of Highland High School, received scholarships from the Ben C. and Etta M. Plank Memorial Fund. • Morgan Kim, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, received the Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship. • Jacob Michael Barnes, a graduate of Palmyra Senior High School, received a scholarship from the Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund. • Grace Fessenden, a graduate of Palmyra Senior High School, received a scholarship from the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund. Emmalee Drebes and Jacob Webster, past graduates of Palmyra Senior High School, renewed scholarships. • Macie Fisher, a graduate of Canton R-V High School, received the Tom and Judy Zenge Fund Scholarship. • Brittany Welker, a teacher at Canton R-V High School, received the Tom and Judy Zenge Fund Key Teacher Award. Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund - Quincy (IL) Senior High School Jansen Lawson is a graduate of Quincy Senior High School. He is the son of Kelly and Rick Lawson of Quincy. Jansen will attend John Wood Community College. The Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship at an accredited two-year or four-year institution for a Quincy High School senior intending to pursue a degree in education. Becky Swisher Crowe taught at Quincy Junior High School and Quincy Senior High School. She was killed March 9, 1979 in an automobile accident on her way to work. Her colleagues immediately set up a scholarship in her name. “Becky loved kids and teaching,” said her best friend Karen Bottorff. “Whenever she was around, it was a happier place.” In 2006, the scholarship was transferred to the Community Foundation to ensure Becky’s name and legacy endured. Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund - Hannibal (MO) High School Noah Krisko is a graduate of Hannibal High School and is the son of Julie Downing of Hannibal. Noah will attend Northwest Missouri State University to study music education. The Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship to a Hannibal High School graduate who will be attending an accredited post-secondary institution for tuition, room and board, fees and/or books, and related expenses. At its 50th reunion, two members of the Hannibal High School Class of 1955 challenged others to establish a scholarship to give back to the community and school that were so important to them during their formative years. Forty-six members made founding gifts to establish this scholarship fund in 2005. F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship Fund – Quincy (IL) Senior High School Taylor Richie is a graduate of Quincy Senior High School and is the daughter of Nicole Ihnen. Taylor will attend Missouri State University to study elementary education. Lydia Fisher, a 2023 graduate of Quincy Senior High School, attends Central College in Pella, Iowa and majors in elementary music education. Lydia received her second year of the renewable scholarship. Kayla Maguire, a 2022 graduate of Quincy Senior High School, attended John Wood Community College and will attend Quincy University to major in elementary education. Kayla received her third year of the renewable scholarship. The F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2021 in honor of Joan’s dedication to education. Joan spent 39 years as an elementary teacher in Wisconsin, Singapore, and Quincy, Illinois. The scholarship will be awarded to a Quincy Senior High School graduating senior who intends to pursue a teaching career, through an accredited two-year or four-year post-secondary institution, with a preference for elementary education. Based on academic achievement, merit, financial need, and good citizenship, the scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Krutmeier Scholarship Fund – Payson – Seymour High School Brady Althoff is a graduate of Payson – Seymour High School. Brady is the son of Preston and Megan Althoff of Plainville. Brady will attend John Wood Community College to study ag business. The Krutmeier Scholarship Fund was established in 2021in memory of Robert and Rodney Krutmeier. Robert and Rodney had many passions in life, but together they shared an enthusiasm for farming, family and their community. The scholarship will be awarded to a Payson High School graduate who is pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field. Virginia Kay Leinweber Leeds Scholarship – Pleasant Hill High School Hannah Hill is a graduate of Pleasant Hill High School and is the daughter of Leigh Anna Hill of Pleasant Hill. She will be attending Culver-Stockton College to study nursing. The family of Virginia ‘Ginger’ Leeds established the fund as a tribute to the health care professionals who took care of Ginger when hospitalized. Although Ginger was confined to a wheelchair at age 33, she kept her enthusiasm for life and sense of humor. She returned to college at age 43 where she completed her bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. The Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship to Pleasant Hill High School graduates interested in pursuing the field of nursing. “Mom loved young people and wanted to see everyone have the opportunity to go to college,” says her daughter, Leah Erke. “I chose the field of nursing as a way to honor all of the nurses who cared for her.” Marvin J Likes and Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship - Western High School Emily Depke is a graduate of Western High School and is the daughter of Daniel and Tamera Depke of Hull. Emily will be attending the University of Illinois to study neural engineering. The Marvin J Likes & Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship honors the memories of Marvin J Likes and Thomas Leo Likes. The Marvin J Likes and Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship reflect the two men’s standards. “Both were an inspiration and encouragement for young people to better themselves,” said Ralph Garner, who was a long-time employee of Likes Land Surveyors, Inc., Barry, Illinois. Pat Likes established this scholarship in memory of her husband Marvin and their son Tom. Marvin requested the scholarship be set up because he saw a need to encourage young people to go into math professions. The scholarship ensures they will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of young people. Ben C. & Etta M. Plank Memorial Fund - Canton High School and Highland High School Trevor Biggerstaff is a graduate of Canton High School and is the son of Scott and Susie Biggerstaff of Canton. Macy Hamlin is a graduate of Highland High School and is the daughter of Ronnie and Angie Hamlin of Ewing. Kaley Payton is a graduate of Highland High School is the daughter of Kevin and Jessica Payton of Ewing. Dorothy Plank established the Ben C. and Etta M. Plank Memorial Fund, in honor of her parents, through her trust. The scholarship is for students graduating from Canton High School or Highland High School (Lewis County, Missouri) to help fund college tuition. The endowed fund will continue to provide support for students continuing their education for years to come. Dorothy Plank was a modest person who did not draw attention to herself. She thought long and hard about what she wanted to do to benefit others. A longtime friend and her attorney both agreed that while living she would not have wanted people to know her estate plans. They also agree that what Miss Plank did serves as an example for others to consider when planning for charitable causes. Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund - Quincy (IL) Senior High School Morgan Kim, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, is the recipient of the Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship. She will attend the University of Missouri and major in biological sciences, health leadership and policy. She is the daughter of Suzan Neely – Kim of Quincy. The scholarship was initiated with a gift from Dr. John E. Sallstrom to commemorate the 50th Reunion of the QHS Class of 1957. “The scholarship fund should help the recipients continue their chosen career paths and motivate them to strive for excellence in their lives,” says Dr. Sallstrom. “If it encourages other individuals and classes to do something similar in the future, the whole community will be enriched.” The Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund provides one or more scholarships to a Quincy High School graduate who will be attending an accredited, four-year post-secondary institution for tuition, room and board, fees and/or books, and related expenses. Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund – Palmyra (MO) High School Jacob Michael Barnes is a graduate of Palmyra R-1 High School. The Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established with memorials and donations made following Teresa’s death in May 2004. The scholarship assists a Palmyra R-1 High School student attending a post-secondary school. Teresa’s roots were in Palmyra. She had many family and friends there. She spent her life’s work in radio. Her ability to work and deal with people earned her great respect, according to her employer and friend, Bud Janes, former owner of Bick Broadcasting. Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund – Palmyra High School Grace Fessenden is a graduate of Palmyra High School. Emmalee Drebes, a 2023 graduate of Palmyra High School, attends Truman State University and majors in nursing. Emmalee received her second year of the renewable scholarship. Jacob Webster, a 2021 graduate of Palmyra R-I High School, attends University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Jacob received his fourth year of the renewable scholarship. In 2012, Alton Vannice’s wife, Joyce, and their family, decided to honor Alton's legacy of agricultural leadership by establishing the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund. The family endowed a scholarship for the further education of Palmyra FFA students who show outstanding leadership qualities and seek to enter agricultural careers. Alton Vannice was a 10th generation farmer who learned the skills of leadership through his experiences in the Palmyra FFA Chapter. Alton's beliefs in his community and in agriculture were expressed as he served on numerous committees and boards throughout his farming career. He gladly served in these capacities and others because he believed in the values expressed in the FFA creed: leadership, respect, the ability to work efficiently and think clearly, and in the promise of better days through better ways. Tom and Judy Zenge Fund - Canton (MO) R-V High School Macie Fisher is a graduate of Canton R-V High School. Macie will attend Kirkwood Community College to study early childhood education. Macie is the daughter of Hank and Kellie Fisher of Canton. The student scholarship recipient recommends selection of the Key Teacher award recipient. The primary consideration is for the teacher who has been most influential in helping the student to achieve academic success. Mrs. Brittany Welker is an art teacher at Canton R-V High School. With the award, Mrs. Welker hopes to purchase a new camera for her yearbook and photography classes. The Zenges established their fund in 2006 with the Community Foundation to provide annual scholarship and teacher recognition awards at Canton R-V High School. The scholarship provided by the Tom and Judy Zenge Fund encourages the best and brightest young men and women to enter technical careers, whether engineering, research, teaching, manufacturing or other related fields. The teacher award recognizes a teacher that continues to make learning a lifelong passion.

An opportunity to establish a charitable endowment fund for Ralls County, and receive a $15,000 matching gift, was announced Monday morning by community leaders at the Ralls County Courthouse in New London. The Ralls County Endowment Fund , held at the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri, will serve as a permanent source of support for local needs and opportunities. “We have formed a fund council made up of Ralls County residents,” explained Ralls County Fund Council Member Connie Ketsenburg. “If we raise $15,000 in three years, the Community Foundation will provide a $15,000 match to root this Fund as a resource that will grow and support Ralls County for generations to come.” Once the fundraising goal is met, the Ralls County Endowment Fund will benefit local charitable and public projects, programs, and organizations. As an endowment, it will continue to grow and generate new funds in perpetuity. Each year, the fund council will make recommendations for grants from the fund to strengthen communities in Ralls County. "The Ralls County Endowment Fund is a way to ‘keep local money working for local causes,’” said Community Foundation CEO Catherine Meckes. “It’s a vehicle to preserve wealth in and for Ralls County. If everyone in Ralls County contributed just 5% of their wealth through their will to the Ralls County Endowment Fund, in 10 years it would generate grants totaling more than $520,000 each and every year. Imagine what that could achieve in Ralls County!” In addition to Ketsenburg, fund council members include Allie Bennett and Daren Dowell, both from Monroe City. The fund council is seeking additional members to help with fundraising and future grant making. Residents interested in joining the fund council are encouraged to contact any of the current council members. “If Ralls County has been good to you, why not pay it forward for future generations?” said Ketsenburg. “The Ralls County Endowment Fund will help us keep our communities a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.” To date, eight of the twelve counties that the Community Foundation serves have established their own County Endowment Funds. Those funds are currently growing and granting to nonprofits doing good work within their own communities. Anyone can make a gift of any amount to help the Fund reach its $15,000 fundraising goal and receive the $15,000 match. Gifts to the Community Foundation for the Ralls County Endowment Fund are tax-deductible as allowed by law. The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri, is a not-for-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status.

Child care programs in Adams County received a boost of $50,000 last month as part of a joint effort to support local child care providers.

The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri invites nonprofits throughout its 12-county service area to apply for a grant of up to $7,500 through its annual Community Grant program. Grants totaling more than $210,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations advancing arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services. The awards are made possible by more than 50 endowed funds at the Community Foundation, which were established by donors to support the communities and causes they care about. The application opens March 1 and closes May 1 at 11:59 p.m. and can be accessed at www.mycommunityfoundation.org. Charitable organizations interested in seeking grant funds are encouraged to attend one of three informational workshops. These workshops will inform nonprofits of the community grant program’s funding priorities and updates to the application. More information and workshop registration can be found at https://www.mycommunityfoundation.org/community-grants. Workshops will be held on the following days: Wednesday, March 6 • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Quincy Salvation Army Kroc Center Thursday, March 7 • Noon – 1:00 PM • Zoom Friday, March 8 • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Hannibal LaGrange University Those who are unable to participate in a virtual workshop can schedule a one-on-one consultation with Community Foundation Program Officer, Kent Embree. Please contact Kent at kembree@mycommunityfoundation.org or 217-222-1237. Grants are made for charitable purposes to organizations that have IRS 501(c)(3) classification or are government entities. Organizations must be located in one of the following counties: Illinois: Adams, Brown, Hancock, or Pike; Missouri: Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike, Knox, Shelby, or Monroe.

Twenty-eight local nonprofit organizations received grants in Samantha Otte’s memory that will benefit hundreds of area youth for artistic, leadership, and humanitarian efforts.

More than $400,000 was granted to 61 local nonprofit organizations that benefit from an endowment fund at the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. These year-end grants bring the Community Foundation’s 2023 grantmaking total to more than $4 million.

The Pike County Endowment Fund , in collaboration with the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, is excited to introduce the ‘Invest in Pike County’ campaign. This initiative encourages residents to make a lasting investment in the Pike County community, promoting sustainable growth and development. Residents, families, and businesses opting to ‘Invest in Pike County’ by December 31, 2023, will receive special recognition. This acknowledgment will be prominently featured in the grants awarded from the fund in 2024. Additionally, participants will be highlighted in a media release showcasing the grant recipients and will receive an invite to next year’s grant presentation in Pike County. Established in 2008 by Pike County residents, the Pike County Endowment Fund aims to secure local assets to perpetually support charitable needs and opportunities in the region. Over the years, the fund has generously granted to more than a dozen local nonprofits, thanks to the contributions of over 100 individuals, organizations, and businesses. The ‘Invest in Pike County’ campaign seeks to amplify this impact. As a permanently endowed fund, gifts are strategically invested for growth, with annual grants distributed from a portion of the earnings. This approach creates a consistent, renewable source of charitable resources. Kathy Iftner, Pike County Endowment Fund Chair, expressed enthusiasm about the campaign's potential impact, stating, "What the 'Invest in Pike County' opportunity provides is a way to grow these resources and increase these grants not just for today, but for generations." Notable past grant recipients from the Pike County Endowment Fund include: • Barry Food Pantry • Barry Public Library • Pike County Senior Citizen’s Council • Two Rivers Resource Conservation & Development • Western Community Center YMCA To contribute to the ‘Invest in Pike County’ campaign, donations should be directed to the Community Foundation, specifying their allocation to the Pike County Endowment Fund. The Community Foundation accepts a variety of gifts, including cash, stocks, grain, livestock, IRA distributions, and other assets. For more information, contact Iftner at (201) 314-3624 or kiftner@gmail.com or the Community Foundation at (217) 222-1237, kmcfarland@mycommunityfoundation.org.