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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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. 

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