Community Special Archives - Galesburg Community Foundation https://www.yourgcf.org/category/community-special/ Tue, 19 May 2026 15:04:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://www.yourgcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-GCF-Favicon-32x32.png Community Special Archives - Galesburg Community Foundation https://www.yourgcf.org/category/community-special/ 32 32 Teacher Mini Grants awarded to local educators   https://www.yourgcf.org/teacher-mini-grants-awarded-to-local-educators/ Tue, 19 May 2026 13:42:56 +0000 https://www.yourgcf.org/?p=7338 When you make a gift to a local community fund, you’re making a difference right where you live. One of the ways that impact takes shape is through Teacher Mini Grants: grants of up to $500 that help educators working at schools in Knoxville, Monmouth-Roseville, United, and Williamsfield create meaningful learning experiences for their students.  Mini grants are funded by local Community Funds as well […]

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When you make a gift to a local community fund, you’re making a difference right where you live. One of the ways that impact takes shape is through Teacher Mini Grants: grants of up to $500 that help educators working at schools in Knoxville, Monmouth-Roseville, United, and Williamsfield create meaningful learning experiences for their students. 

Mini grants are funded by local Community Funds as well as other cooperating funds including the United 304 Foundation Fund and the Becky Carlson Teacher Mini Grant fund which are all funds of Galesburg Community Foundation. Guided by local advisory boards, Community Funds are empowered to award grants that positively impact their community and residents. Because they are endowments, Community Funds grow forever, creating a permanent source of financial support for local needs.   

This year, grants supported everything from STEM supplies to speech and language learning materials. Whether it’s giving students hands-on tools to explore new concepts or providing resources that make classrooms more welcoming and effective, the goal is the same: to strengthen learning opportunities, encourage creativity, and provide students with hands-on experiences that support classroom success. 

“Teacher Mini Grants give educators the flexibility to add resources and experiences that support their students and classrooms,” said DeAnne Bloomberg, Vice President of Programs at Galesburg Community Foundation.  

Below is a list of teachers who received Teacher Mini Grants for the 2026-27 academic year and the corresponding granting fund.  

Knoxville CUSD #202 – Knoxville Community Fund   

  • Brittny Hageman, Mable Woolsey Elementary School 
  • Baylee Derham, Mable Woolsey Elementary School 
  • Deborah Dunlap, Knoxville High School 
  • Ellen Shrader, Knoxville Junior High 
  • Amy Hopper, Knoxville Junior High 
  • Jamie Ament, Mable Woolsey Elementary School 
  • Kristy Kirgan, Mable Woolsey Elementary School 
  • Jolene Parrish, Mable Woolsey Elementary School 
  • Jennifer Bowker, Knoxville Junior High 

 

Central Intermediate School – Monmouth Community Fund & Roseville Community Fund 

  • Trevion Campbell, Central Intermediate School  

 

Immaculate Conception School – Monmouth Community Fund & Roseville Community Fund 

  • Sarah Grant, Immaculate Conception School 
  • Meredith Rundle, Immaculate Conception School 

Lutheran Preschool and Daycare Center– Monmouth Community Fund  

  • Bobbi Nees, Lutheran Preschool and Day Care Center 

 

United CUSD #304 – Alexis Community Fund, United 304 Foundation Fund, and Becky Carlson Teacher Mini Grant Fund 

 

United North Elementary School  

  • Paula Yung, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund  
  • Amber Postin, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Lauren Johnson, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Carrie Clayton, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Marci Bertelsen, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Angie Chandlee, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund  
  • Ashley Bushong, United 304 Foundation Fund 

 

United Intermediate School 

  • Kay Hedrick, United 304 Foundation Fund  
  • Nikki Robertson, United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Chelsea Logsdon, United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Andi Cokel, United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Tammy Bennett, United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Raven Stoneking, Becky Carlson Teacher Mini Grant Fund 

 

United Jr./Sr. High School 

  • Corbyn Wascher United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Morgan Stuart, United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Madeline Wood, United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Lisa Coleman, United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Melinda Fry, United 304 Foundation Fund 
  • Kennedy Baughman, United 304 Foundation Fund 

 

Williamsfield CUSD #210 – Williamsfield Community Fund 

  • Liz Tucker, Williamsfield Schools  

 

To learn more about Community Funds and Teacher Mini Grants, visit https://www.yourgcf.org/community-programs/community-funds/.   

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]]> Local Community Funds Award 25 grants to charitable organizations  https://www.yourgcf.org/local-community-funds-award-25-grants-to-charitable-organizations/ Tue, 19 May 2026 13:26:12 +0000 https://www.yourgcf.org/?p=7330 Each year, Community Funds in Alexis, Knoxville, Monmouth, Roseville, and Williamsfield award grants through their annual community grant cycle.   Developed by local residents, Community Funds are built through gifts from individuals who love their communities. They are funds of Galesburg Community Foundation and are guided by local advisory boards who are empowered to award grants that positively impact their communities and residents. Eligible applicants included all 501(c)(3) nonprofit or public charities, […]

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Each year, Community Funds in Alexis, Knoxville, Monmouth, Roseville, and Williamsfield award grants through their annual community grant cycle.  

Developed by local residents, Community Funds are built through gifts from individuals who love their communities. They are funds of Galesburg Community Foundation and are guided by local advisory boards who are empowered to award grants that positively impact their communities and residents. Eligible applicants included all 501(c)(3) nonprofit or public charities, churches, schools, and government agencies serving these communities.  

This year, more than $35,000 was awarded among 25 local nonprofits. “Community Funds empower communities to invest in the causes and projects that matter most to them,” says DeAnne Bloomberg, Galesburg Community Foundation Vice President of Programs. “These grants are helping local organizations respond to challenges and build stronger futures across our region.” 

The following organizations received funding through the community grant cycle:  

 

Alexis Community Fund  

  • Alexis Recreation Council Baseball Association, Baseball Field Light Project  
  • Village of Alexis, Village Park Slide Replacement 
  • Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank, Diaper, Period & Adult Incontinence Equity Initiative: Bridging the Gap for Local Families 
  • Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding, New Saddles 
  • United Ecumenical Health Ministry, Project AED Access: Five Rural Churches Community Safety Program 

 

Knoxville Community Fund  

  • CASA of West Central Illinois, Volunteer Recruitment and Volunteer Supervision 
  • Grace Lutheran Church, Grace Little Food Pantry 
  • Knoxville CUSD #202, Blessings in a Backpack 2026-2027 
  • Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank, Diaper, Period & Adult Incontinence Equity Initiative: Bridging the Gap for Local Families 

 

Monmouth Community Fund  

  • CASA of West Central Illinois, Volunteer Recruitment and Volunteer Supervision 
  • Henderson County Rural Health Center, DBA Eagle View Community Health, Expanding Access to Preventive Care in Monmouth 
  • Jamieson Community Center, Building Literacy  
  • Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank, Diaper, Period & Adult Incontinence Equity Initiative: Bridging the Gap for Local Families 
  • Maple City Area Partnership, Downtown Christmas Pole Lighting  
  • Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding, New Saddles 
  • Warren County Public Library, Summer Reading Program 2026 
  • Warren County YMCA, Expanding Adoptive Sports Access Through Equipment Investment 

 

Roseville Community Fund 

  • Giving Gardens (of First Presbyterian Church of Macomb), Roseville Public – Access Garden Installation and Volunteer Training 
  • Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank, Diaper, Period & Adult Incontinence Equity Initiative: Bridging the Gap for Local Families 
  • Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding, New Saddles 
  • Roseville Boy Scouts of America, Summer Camp 
  • Roseville Community Center, Community Center Boiler Upkeep 
  • Roseville Kids Place, Operations 

 

Williamsfield Community Fund 

  • Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank, Diaper, Period & Adult Incontinence Equity Initiative: Bridging the Gap for Local Families 
  • Williamsfield Historical Society, Digitization of Williamsfield Times Newspapers (1887-1992) 

 

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

 

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]]> Important Reminders for Year-End Giving https://www.yourgcf.org/important-reminders-for-year-end-giving/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:32:00 +0000 https://www.yourgcf.org/?p=7029 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 […]

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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:  

  1. 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.  
  2. 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! 
  3. 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.  
  4. 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.  
  5. 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.  
  6. 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 https://www.yourgcf.org/meet-amy-thompson-galesburg-community-foundations-newest-board-member/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:00:46 +0000 https://www.yourgcf.org/?p=6727 Galesburg Community Foundation is thrilled to welcome Amy Thompson to our Board of Directors!

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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  https://www.yourgcf.org/meet-the-new-manager-of-community-treasures-thrift-store/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:49:18 +0000 https://www.yourgcf.org/?p=6670 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 […]

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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   https://www.yourgcf.org/strengthening-local-initiatives-through-community-fund-granting/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 20:40:52 +0000 https://www.yourgcf.org/?p=6323 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.

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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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