Galesburg Community Foundation’s Scholarship application is open annually in February. There are nine scholarships available, and each has its own criteria. 

This year, fourteen students in our region were selected among the nine scholarships.  

“We’re proud to support students in our region and help them take the next step in their education,” commented DeAnne Bloomberg, Galesburg Community Foundation’s Vice President of Programs.  

Scholarship recipients and the colleges/universities they will attend next fall are:  

Becky Carlson Scholarship  

• Greydon Bugner, Carl Sandburg College  

• Jamilynn Haske, Southern Illinois University  

Cole Steele Memorial Scholarship 

• Natalie Harshbarger, John Wood Community College  

• Colin Heimer, Parkland Community College 

• Whitney Jane Humphreys, Illinois College 

John E. Bohan Excellence in Athletics Scholarship  

• Nolan Jenks, University of Illinois 

• Sara Shimmin, Monmouth College  

Steve McBride Scholarship 

• Meredith Grace Yung, University of Dubuque  

Oneida Telephone Exchange Scholarship 

• Madelyn Adams, Knox College  

• Brody Lytle, Monmouth College 

Lyle Pierce Athletic and Leadership Scholarship 

• Sara Shimmin, Monmouth College 

Helen H. Wetherbee Nursing Scholarship 

• Aila Worby, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville  

Dolores M. Ryner Business Scholarship 

• Olivia Springer, Butler University 

Verna May Sargent Scholarship 

• Charlie Ament, Lawrence University  

• Emma Bowton, Knox College  

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 YourGCF.org.  

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For Sarah Walters, community has always been at the center of her story. 

A lifelong resident of Monmouth, Sarah’s connection to the region runs deep. While she spent a few years away early in her adult life, she ultimately chose to return—drawn back by family, familiarity, and a deep appreciation for the place she calls home. 

 “I choose to live here,” she shared. “I love my community. I love Monmouth.” 

That love for her community is what first connected Sarah to Galesburg Community Foundation. While she had long been aware of the Community Foundation, it wasn’t until her involvement through the Twomey Foundation that she began to understand the broader impact of the Community Foundation’s work. 

Most recently, Galesburg Community Foundation, and the Twomey Foundation worked together to make  grants to nonprofits in Henderson County.  

Through that partnership, Sarah saw firsthand how working together could create something greater than working alone. “It made more sense for us to be partners!” she said. 

When asked to join the Galesburg Community Foundation Board of Directors, Sarah didn’t hesitate. Having seen the Community Foundation’s impact up close, she was eager to play a role in helping others.  

Sarah brings a unique perspective to the Community Foundation Board which is shaped by her professional journey. After spending 17 years as a teacher, she took a leap into business ownership when she purchased Market Alley Wines in Monmouth and learned about the ins and outs of running a local business from the ground up. 

As she steps into her role on the Community Foundation Board, Sarah is driven by a desire to help share the Community Foundation’s mission more broadly—particularly beyond Galesburg. She recognizes that while the name reflects the Community Foundation’s origins, its reach and impact extend far beyond. 

“One of my biggest goals is to help people understand what Galesburg Community Foundation really is and all the ways we serve Knox, Warren and Henderson Counties,” she said. 

Galesburg Community Foundation President & CEO Joshua Gibb shared his excitement about Sarah joining the board. “Sarah brings a genuine passion for her community, and a strong belief in the power of philanthropy and  collaboration,” he said. “That mindset is exactly what helps move our mission forward and strengthen the communities we serve.” 

At the heart of it all is Sarah’s belief in people and in the power of community. Whether through her work, her business, or her service on the board, she is committed to helping her community and our region grow and thrive. 

And for Sarah, that commitment is simple. 

“I just want to be a good steward of spreading the mission,” she said. 

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Growing up in a small farming community an hour east of Galesburg, Dr. Brian Plattner remembers trips to Galesburg feeling like something special. 

“We’d come here to swim at the Holiday Inn and go play putt-putt,” he said. “To me, Galesburg was a vacation spot…”  

That perspective has stayed with him over the years.  

“People don’t always realize how good we have it here,” he said. 

After completing his optometric training at The Ohio State University, Dr. Plattner and his family made the decision to return to the region to build both a career and their life. Twenty-five years later, Galesburg is where they have raised their family and put down deep roots. 

Dr. Plattner is an optometrist and business partner at Kehoe Eye Care in Galesburg and has long been active in the community through service organizations and his church. That commitment to service eventually led him to Galesburg Community Foundation, where he joined the Board of Directors in 2020. 

Now, as he steps into the role of Board Chair, Plattner points to the strength of the team around him as a key reason for confidence moving forward. “The Community Foundation has an amazing staff and board… a lot of great people all rowing in the same direction,” he said.  

Other members of the Community Foundation Board of Directors include Dustin Courson, David Erickson, Lisa Gavin, Chad Long, Dr. John McClean, Carol Shaw, Amy Thompson, Jamie Yemm, Dr. Adam Welty, and Sarah Walters. 

When asked what he was most looking forward to in his role as Chair this upcoming year, Plattner shared his excitement for an upcoming leadership program we will be holding. 

“I am excited for a new program we will be bringing to the community that offers us an opportunity to gather leaders in the community to identify needs together and figure out how we can work together collaboratively in order to make our resources go further.” 

For anyone considering getting involved with the Community Foundation, Plattner’s advice is simple: start somewhere, whether that is by giving, volunteering, serving, or simply learning more about the needs and opportunities within our region. 

“Being a part of supporting all the good work the nonprofits in the region are doing is extremely fulfilling,” he said.  

As the Community Foundation continues to grow, it is that mindset of generosity, service, and community leadership that will shape what comes next for our region. 

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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. 

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“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  

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“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.  

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