Community Special Archives - Galesburg Community Foundation

Important Reminders for Year-End Giving

Khunt — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:32:00 +0000

As the year comes to a close, now is a good time to take a moment to reflect on how you can make a difference in your community. Here are six important reminders for end-of-year giving:

Looking for help choosing the best way to share your generosity this year? You can view our options for giving here. Contact us at 309.344.8898 to discuss your ideas and options. You might also consider giving to the GCF Impact Fund to join with others in supporting unrestricted needs across our region.
Gifts to endowment funds, like the GCF Impact Fund, at Galesburg Community Foundation are eligible for the Illinois Gives Tax Credit. If you are interested in applying for the tax credit, be sure to contact us as soon as possible! Credits are limited and going fast! More information can be found here!
Online gifts can be made until 11:59 p.m. Central Time on December 31 and still be credited in 2025. Make your year-end gifts online now.
Charitable gifts of stock and other appreciated assets are excellent options to consider gifting and can potentially result in considerable savings from income and capital gains taxes. Please contact our office at 309.344.8898 by Friday, December 19, about gifts of stock, IRA distributions, or grain.
If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a gift from your IRA as a Qualified Charitable Distribution of up to $108,000. These gifts should be initiated by December 19, 2025.
Donations by check should be postmarked no later than December 31, 2025. Mail to Galesburg Community Foundation, 246 E. Main Street, Suite 101, Galesburg, IL 61401. Make all gifts payable to “Galesburg Community Foundation,” with the fund name noted on the memo line.

Our office will be open December 22, 23, 29th and 30th from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and the 31st from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm. If you want to discuss your options for giving or have questions, contact Sarah Grant, Director of Development, at 309.344.8898, or email sgrant@yourgcf.org.

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Meet Amy Thompson: Galesburg Community Foundation’s Newest Board Member

Khunt — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:00:46 +0000

Galesburg Community Foundation is thrilled to welcome Amy Thompson to our Board of Directors!

A lifelong resident of West Central Illinois, Amy brings a rich background in education, agriculture, and community leadership. She began her career as a junior high English teacher and volleyball coach before stepping away to raise her children. She then fully immersed herself in the world of service and volunteerism.

Amy grew up on a farm outside of Stronghurst and her deep agricultural roots have shaped much of her community involvement. She served 10 years on the Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau board, including six as president, and is currently wrapping up her time on the Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau Foundation Board. Her community work also includes leadership roles with the Warren County Fair, where she has served as superintendent of both the general project and horticulture shows. She was also involved in the construction of a new building at the fairgrounds.

While Amy currently works as a bookkeeper & secretary for Midwest Painting, she often describes herself as a “professional volunteer”, with a deep commitment to making her community stronger. She also serves on the Security Savings Bank Board, the Special Abilities Endowment in Warren County and is known for donating her baked goods – including her crowd favorite cheesecake – to charity events.

When Amy is not volunteering, you can find her in her garden, lost in a mystery book, or perfecting her chocolate curls for her famous candy bar cake.

“Amy Thompson is a thoughtful, proven leader who is deeply connected to our region. Her willingness to serve on our board brings with it the trust and respect she’s earned through a lifetime of leadership in our community. We are incredibly thankful to have her join us,” commented Joshua Gibb, President & CEO of Galesburg Community Foundation.

Please join us in giving Amy a warm welcome. We’re excited for the passion, experience, and energy that she will bring to the Community Foundation board!

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Meet the New Manager of Community Treasures Thrift Store

Khunt — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:49:18 +0000

What began as a shopper and volunteer, has grown into a new opportunity for leadership at Community Treasures, the thrift store owned and operated by Galesburg Community Foundation. Maureen Fesler, a longtime supporter and volunteer at the shop, has been named its new manager.

Fesler, a Galesburg native, grew up watching her mother run two A&W restaurants in the area, giving her an early introduction to customer service, operations, and community connections. Her first experience with retail was helping count change at the restaurants. “That’s how I learned math,” she laughed. “It was very effective.”

After high school, she relocated to California to study at California State where she earned a degree in history and then went on to work at UC Berkeley in a number of administrative roles. She eventually returned home to Galesburg to be closer to family and since then has spent some time working with nonprofits and organizations that combined administration, advocacy, and direct service.

As manager, Fesler will oversee store operations, including staff and volunteer supervision, customer and donor relations, oversight and cash handling procedures, product management, and policy enforcement.

“I am excited to see Maureen step into this role at Community Treasures. Her passion for our mission and enthusiasm about the Shop’s work make her an ideal leader for this next chapter of the Shop’s impact in our region,” commented Josh GIbb, President and CEO of Galesburg Community Foundation.

For Fesler, stepping into this role feels like a full-circle moment. “It’s kind of my dream job, honestly,” she said. “It combines everything I care about; I am really excited to be here.”

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time shopper, stop by Community Treasures to say hello and welcome Maureen to her new role!

Community Treasures Shopping Hours

Monday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

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Strengthening Local Initiatives Through Community Fund Granting

Khunt — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 20:40:52 +0000

Local advisory board members from the five Community Funds recently gathered to collaborate, share insights and prepare for their upcoming community grant cycle. Advisors from the Alexis, Knoxville, Monmouth, Roseville and Williamsfield Community Funds broadened their knowledge of Community Foundation work and the important role that Community Funds play throughout the region.

Community Funds are funds of Galesburg Community Foundation that were developed by local residents, and built with gifts from community members, businesses, service organizations, and former residents. The funds are endowed permanent resources for their communities and offer a way to everyone to participate in supporting the town they love. Each fund is guided by a local advisory board that is empowered to award grants that positively impact their communities and residents.

In the last ten years, Community Funds have collectively granted nearly $200,000 to over 150 charitable organizations that address specific needs in each community. “Community Funds allow us to drive change and plan for the future of our communities,” shared Carol Shaw, advisory board member of Roseville Community Fund.

The Community Fund grant cycle is open from March 3-21. Nonprofits and other charitable organizations serving the residents of Alexis, Knoxville, Monmouth, Roseville, and Williamsfield are encouraged to apply.

Last year, grants were awarded to a range of impactful community projects, including:

- Support for museum repairs in Alexis

- Diaper & Period Product Distribution in Knoxville and Monmouth through Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank

- A new air conditioning unit for the Williamsfield Food Pantry

- Support for downtown beautification in Roseville.

“We look forward to working with our Community Funds to support even more initiatives that can further strengthen our region and its people,” shared Jillian Isaacson, Galesburg Community Foundation’s Director of Grants and Programs.

Additional information and a link to the online grant application can be found by visiting yourgcf.org/communitygrants. For questions or assistance, please contact Jillian Isaacson at 309.344.8898 or via email at info@yourgcf.org

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