The post The Turnout Annual Grant Cycle Opens July 1 appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

The post Teacher Mini Grants awarded to local educators   appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

The post Local Community Funds Award 25 grants to charitable organizations  appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

These grants are possible because of the Community Funds in each town. Initiated by Galesburg Community Foundation and developed by local residents, Community Funds are built through gifts from individuals who love their communities. They are guided by local advisory boards empowered to award grants that positively impact their communities and residents. 

All 501(c)(3) nonprofit or public charities, including churches, schools, and government agencies, are eligible to apply. Grant recipients will be notified by May 1. Organizations may apply to both the Community Fund grant cycle and The Turnout, Galesburg Community Foundation’s competitive grant cycle. The Turnout will be open July 1-15. 

Community Funds have supported a wide range of local initiatives, including mobile radios for the Alexis and Williamsfield Fire Departments, assistance for the Knoxville food pantry, contributions to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner in Monmouth, and flowers to enhance downtown beautification efforts in Roseville. 

“Community Fund grants are designed to support the ideas and organizations that make our communities vibrant places to live,” said DeAnne Bloomberg, Vice President of Programs at Galesburg Community Foundation. “From education and youth programs to community improvements, these grants help local leaders turn great ideas into real impact.”  

In addition to community grants, Community Funds are also supporting local teachers by offering mini grants to enhance the classroom experience. From March 16- April 1, teachers in the Knoxville, Monmouth-Roseville, United and Williamsfield school districts are encouraged to apply for teacher mini grants. Proposals may be for classroom projects and materials up to $500. Grants must be for the 2026-27 school year, and recipients will be notified by May 1. 

Mini grants have been used by teachers in the region to purchase curriculum, books, musical instruments, science equipment, and other resources. 

For more information about Community Fund grants for nonprofits or teachers, contact DeAnne Bloomberg at info@yourgcf.org or 309-344-8898. 

The post Nonprofits and Teachers encouraged to apply for Community Fund grants from March 16- April 1  appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

The post Meet our new Vice President of Programs – DeAnne Bloomberg   appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

The Illinois Gives Tax Credit Program offers a 25% state income tax credit to taxpayers who make donations to permanent endowment funds held by Qualified Community Foundations, such as Galesburg Community Foundation. Credits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and once they are gone, no additional credits are available for the year. 

Endowment funds are designed to exist in perpetuity, with the principal invested to generate annual earnings that provide reliable, long-term support for charitable grants. 

“Connecting donors to causes they care about is what we do best, and we’re thrilled to offer a way for donors to support their favorite nonprofits while also receiving a tax benefit,” said Sarah Grant, Vice President of Development at Galesburg Community Foundation. “This program generated nearly $1 million dollars of charitable giving in our region in 2025, and we anticipate that the tax credits will run out much sooner in 2026, we strongly encourage donors to start planning early and apply for the credit as soon as possible.” 

To participate, donors must make their gift to a Qualified Community Foundation. Galesburg Community Foundation is proud to be among those eligible and is happy to guide donors through the application process. The maximum tax credit per taxpayer is $100,000 annually, making this an especially impactful opportunity for individuals and businesses with Illinois income tax liability. 

If you are interested in taking advantage of the tax credit, please contact Sarah Grant, Vice President of Development at sgrant@yourgcf.org or 309.344.8898 to learn more. To view the full list of the eligible funds at Galesburg Community Foundation, click here. 

The post Take advantage of the Illinois Gives Tax Credit in 2026 appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

The post Important Reminders for Year-End Giving appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

“This partnership helps secure the library’s future and reflects what Galesburg does best – coming together to invest in the community we share,” commented Heather Sipes, Executive Director of Galesburg Public Library.  

“We’re honored to partner with the Galesburg Public Library Foundation to help ensure its resources and services are available for generations to come,” said Joshua Gibb, President & CEO of Galesburg Community Foundation. “By establishing endowment funds at the Community Foundation, the Library Foundation is taking an important step to strengthen its financial sustainability and invest in the long-term vitality of their organization and the Galesburg Public Library.” 

Sue Dutell, President of the Galesburg Public Library Foundation, added, “Our Foundation has been fortunate to have extraordinary donors with the foresight to invest in our community library. They have left a legacy to continue supporting our programs and services. The funds we have been stewarding for many years will now be managed locally, through Galesburg Community Foundation, allowing us to better secure resources for the future. We are very excited for this new chapter!” 

In total, nine endowment funds have been created to support specific needs and programs of the Galesburg Public Library, including one fund designated for the general operations of the Galesburg Public Library Foundation. Together, these endowments will help ensure continued support for library programming, building maintenance, and educational opportunities for years to come. 

About Galesburg Community Foundation 

Galesburg Community Foundation develops and supports the efforts of local people and organizations to promote healthy communities. The Community Foundation makes giving easy and believes that generosity can positively change Knox, Warren, and Henderson Counties forever. The Community Foundation partners with individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits to help them have the greatest impact with their giving. The Community Foundation is working for the good of your community. Learn more at www.YourGCF.org.  

About Galesburg Public Library Foundation 

Established in 2007, the Galesburg Public Library Foundation, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable institution, raises funds to strengthen the library’s resources and services, ensuring it remains a vital part of the greater Galesburg community. The Galesburg Public Library Foundation collaborates with the Galesburg Public Library to enhance and support its services, ensuring that every resident has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed. Learn more at https://thegplf.org  

The post Galesburg Public Library Foundation Announces Endowment Partnership with Galesburg Community Foundation   appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

The post Illinois Gives Q&A with Dustin Courson, CPA appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

“Our mission has never changed,” shared Tuesday Çetin, Executive Director of Galesburg Community Arts Center. “We are here to connect our community to the arts because art is essential. It sparks conversations, lights up imaginations, and brings people together.”  

GCAC has partnered with the Galesburg Community Foundation over the last several years, and as part of their own strategic plan, is expanding their effort to further grow their endowment fund. An endowment fund provides a source of lasting support that is both stable and predictable even in uncertain economic times.  

“With this stable source of support, nonprofits can make long-term plans with confidence, remain resilient through economic shifts, and stay focused on delivering their mission,” said Sarah Grant, Galesburg Community Foundation Director of Development. 

Galesburg Community Foundation is offering a 2 for 1 matching grant to build the Arts Center’s endowment. For every $2 donated, Galesburg Community Foundation will donate $1, giving the organization an opportunity to raise a total of $300,000 toward its $1.5 million endowment goal. 

“For many donors, the match is a game-changer,” Çetin added. “It empowers donors at every giving level to know they’re making a significant difference.” 

Gifts made directly to the arts center’s endowment at Galesburg Community Foundation are eligible for an Illinois Gives tax credit, offering an additional way to maximize impact. Donors are encouraged to consult with their tax professional to determine if this would be beneficial to them and then contact Galesburg Community Foundation for guidance through the process. Learn more about Illinois Gives here.

With the initial campaign nearly halfway complete, Galesburg Community Arts Center is asking the community to join them in completing their ultimate endowment goal of $1.5M. This amount will fund its daily operations, which includes connecting the community and visitors to art experiences and supporting the local creative economy that includes connecting well over one hundred artists to economic opportunity. Operational support is critical to keeping admission free and arts opportunities accessible to all.  Just this year, over 23,000 people were able to appreciate art, participate in classes, and explore their own creativity at community events. 

“Every gift, no matter the size, helps us keep arts accessible in our community,” says Ҫetin, “accessible for children, adults, and seniors.  The arts are fundamental to our humanity – it helps us express our emotions, values, and connect with one another, it’s a universal way of telling our own stories.” 

To make a gift to the Galesburg Community Arts Center endowment fund at Galesburg Community Foundation, contact Sarah Grant, Director of Development, at 309-344-8898 or donate here. Donors wishing to take advantage of the Illinois Gives Tax Credit should contact Galesburg Community Foundation prior to making their gift.  

The post Galesburg Community Arts Center Endowment Match appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.