At Jamieson Community Center, the work has always centered on one guiding belief that people can fulfill their potential when they have the right support.  

Through a grant from the Hunger Collaborative, Jamieson Community Center has been able to hire a Resource Coordinator for their Community Connections Program, to serve as a contact person for individuals and families needing connection to resources for support in the Warren and Henderson Counties. 

Jamieson Community Center serves residents across Warren and Henderson Counties through a wide range of programs designed to address food security and daily needs.  

“Many of the people we serve are starting from survival mode,” Commented Nancy Mowen, Executive Director of Jamieson Community Center. “When basic needs aren’t met, it’s difficult to know where to start. The Resource Coordinator role is about helping people find that starting point and then staying with them.” 

Tre Spinks, the Resource Coordinator, serves as a central point of contact for individuals seeking assistance through Jamieson’s programs or through referrals from partner agencies, landlords, and community organizations. After completing an intake process, participants work one-on-one with Spinks to identify immediate needs, connect with appropriate resources, and set both short-and long-term goals.  

Unlike one-time assistance, the Community Connections program emphasizes ongoing relations. Spinks provides regular check-ins, accountability, and life-skills assessments, remaining engaged for as long as individuals need support.  

“Sometimes just having someone who listens and believes you can move forward makes all the difference,” Spinks said. “When people know they’re not doing this alone, they’re more likely to keep taking those next steps.”  

Since the Community Connections program launched, Spinks has already helped individuals secure employment, connect to housing resources, and stabilize their situations. In one case, an individual who had been unemployed for a year was able to find work after receiving help with resume development and workforce connections. In another, two young adults experiencing homelessness were connected to housing and employment.  

This work directly aligns with the mission of the Hunger Collaborative, a partnership of more than 30 nonprofits convened by Galesburg Community Foundation to address hunger by tackling its root causes. By funding a resource coordinator at Jamieson Community Center, the Collaborative is addressing issues that often lead to food insecurity, including limited access to services, workforce challenges, housing instability, and transportation barriers.  

The Resource Coordinator role is still in its early stages, but Jamieson Community Center sees significant potential for growth and long-term impact. With continued collaboration and community support, the program is positioned to strengthen not only individual lives, but the community as a whole.  

To learn more about the Hunger Collaborative and how it supports initiatives like Jamieson Community Center’s Community Connections Resource Coordinator, visit yourgcf.org/hungercollaborative. 

To learn more or support Jamieson Community Center visit www.jamiesoncommunitycenter.org.  

The post Building Stability Through Connection and Support  appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

This belief has guided them in every part of their lives, but most importantly, in their own family. Harrel shared “We have a big family, and a lot of the things we’ve done are for the children to see that giving is important in our family. We want to establish an attitude that giving is a good thing and gives us a good feeling.” 

To put that belief into action, the Timmons have used two methods of giving at Galesburg Community Foundation. First, they established a Donor-Advised Fund, that allows them to direct funds to organizations as need arises, and secondly, they recently created three designated endowment funds to support Carl Sandburg College, Salvation Army, and St. Jude’s Children Hospital, all organizations they care deeply about.  

“If an organization has an emergency or needs something specific that we like the sound of, we can use our Donor Advised Fund to support that. The three endowment funds we created are for specific organizations, and what we really like about that is that they are forever. Endowment helps an organization use their money wisely, because it gives them a certain amount each year, which allows them to plan for the long term,” explained Harrel. 

“By establishing endowment funds, the Timmons built something permanent, something that will continue to give back to the causes and people they care about long into the future. Each year, the funds will provide steady support for students seeking opportunity at Carl Sandburg, families in times of hardship through Salvation Army, and children receiving life-saving care at St. Jude,” commented Josh Gibb, President & CEO.  

The couple’s giving was also benefited from the new Illinois Gives Tax Credit, which provides a 25% state income tax credit for gifts to eligible endowment funds at qualified community foundations. For Harrel and Judy, they explained that “The tax credit certainly was an added bonus, but it wasn’t just about that, we wanted to do something to support these organizations, and the Community Foundation made it simple to do that.” 

“We like that endowment doesn’t end,” Judy commented. “It just keeps helping people forever.”  

For Harrel and Judy, that simple idea of neighbors helping neighbors has been a guiding principle throughout their lives. Through their endowments at Galesburg Community Foundation, they’ve found a way to make that kindness continue, quietly, and steadily, for years to come.  

To learn more about establishing or supporting an endowment fund, contact Sarah Grant at Galesburg Community Foundation.  

The post Neighbors Helping Neighbors:  The Timmons Family Philosophy of Giving   appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

Building on the success of similar efforts in Knox County, the Warren County Housing Authority (WCHA) recently received a Hunger Collaborative grant to expand access to free public transportation to housing authority residents in Warren County. In partnership with Warren County Public Transportation, the grant provides fare-free rides for residents of WCHA public housing.  

Since its start in February of 2025, the program has provided an average of 250 rides each month, connecting residents to medical care, employment, groceries and essential services both within Warren County and in Galesburg.  

“Many of our residents don’t have a vehicle or don’t have one that’s reliable,” shared Hank Shimmin, Executive Director of the Warren County Housing Authority. “Before this program, some people were walking long distances or relying on friends and family. Others simply stayed home. Now, they have the freedom to go where they need to go.”  

That freedom is life-changing for residents, like a 66-year-old tenant who recently retired and now travels to Galesburg three times a week for medical treatments. “I would not be able to get to my doctors,” he shared. “This is great, and I am thankful to you for letting me do this. I don’t have a lot of family and friends that would help me.” 

Another couple, one elderly and the other legally blind, said the service has been critical for maintaining their health and independence. “We use the bus for doctors, pharmacy, and the store. We couldn’t get there otherwise unless we walked,” they said. The couple estimates they save $30 to $40 each month on bus fares—money they can now use for groceries and over-the-counter medicines not covered by SNAP benefits. “We want everyone to know that we are very thankful for the service that is provided for us.” 

According to Hilary Martin, Program Coordinator, the impact of the grant extends far beyond transportation. “Without dependable transit options, residents face barriers to sustaining employment or accessing medical care,” she said. “This grant provides not just transportation, but opportunity. It’s helping residents access food pantries, maintain consistent jobs, and reach vital healthcare services.” 

Galesburg Community Foundation President & CEO Joshua Gibb emphasized the broader impact of initiatives like this one. “Access to affordable, reliable transportation has a huge impact on hunger in our region,” Gibb shared. “It connects people to jobs, health care, and resources that improve their quality of life. This is exactly the kind of long-term collaborative solution the Hunger Collaborative was created to support.” 

To learn more about the Hunger Collaborative, visit yourgcf.org/hungercollaborative. 

The post Expanding Opportunity Through Transportation in Warren County   appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

That leap has transformed into a growing nonprofit where people can learn, practice, and enjoy the arts. From woodworking to stained glass, sewing, and more, the mission is simple: to give the community a place where creativity can flourish. 

“The arts are the soul of the school, of the community,” Busse explained. “Reading, writing, and math are essential, but the arts are where creativity lives. That’s what we want people to experience here.” 

Support from Galesburg Community Foundation’s Turnout Grant Cycle is helping Knox County Community Artisans deepen that impact. Their 2025 Turnout grant made it possible to hire an administrative coordinator—a role that has increased visibility, improved scheduling, and streamlined communication. “Exposure brings more people through the doors, which means more memberships, more classes, and more opportunities for the community,” shared Beth Lauver, Administrative Coordinator.   

Powered almost entirely by volunteers, the organization draws people from near and far. “We’ve had people drive two hours just to come to a scroll saw class because they saw it on Facebook,” Lauver shared. “That tells us we’re filling a real need.” Previous grants from the Community Foundation have also supported the purchase of specialized equipment, opening the door for even more people to explore new skills.  

Knox County Community Artisans consists primarily of two unique programs: The Ark Woodworking Shop and Yours2Create Resale Shop.  

The Ark Woodworking Shop provides members 24/7 access to tools and workspace, along with specialty classes. It also serves as a place where volunteers craft items to donate back to the community and charitable organizations. 

Yours2Create, launched in March 2022, is a resale craft shop that accepts donations of all types of craft supplies. Volunteers carefully sort and display the items, which are then sold. “It’s a place to find just the right item to finish a project, or inspire a new one,” shared Lauver. In addition to providing affordable materials, Yours2Create offers classes in cardmaking and sewing, with plans to expand into other hobbies.  

Looking ahead, Knox County Community Artisans remains focused on creating opportunities for people to experience the arts firsthand. Whether through classes, affordable supplies, or access to tools and workspace, the goal is the same: to help people discover new skills, try new projects, and enjoy the satisfaction of making something themselves. 

“Our vision is for this community to become known as a place where the arts thrive,” commented Busse. 

To learn more about Knox County Community Artisans, visit https://www.kccartisans.org.  

Grants for The Turnout come from the Community Foundation’s unrestricted Impact Fund and Field of Interest Funds along with contributions from our generous community donors who hold Donor Advised Funds at the Community Foundation. To make a gift contact us at Galesburg Community Foundation.  

The post Knox County Community Artisans: Building Creativity, Skills, and Community  appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

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. Each Community Fund has a local advisory board that is 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’s grants supported everything from manipulatives that build early math skills to virtual reality headsets that will help bring history to life. 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 support educators in delivering engaging, practical, and memorable learning experiences to local students. 

“These grants give teachers the tools to bring creativity and innovation to their classrooms, which benefits not only their students but the entire community,” said Sarah Grant, Director of Development at Galesburg Community Foundation. 

Below is a list of teachers who received Teacher Mini Grants for the 2025-26 academic year and the corresponding granting fund. 

Knoxville CUSD #202 – Knoxville Community Fund  

• Dawn Cypert, Mable Woolsey Elementary School 

• Michelle Davies, Mable Woolsey Elementary School 

• Baylee Derham, Mable Woolsey Elementary School  

• Deborah Dunlap, Knoxville High School 

• Kristy Kirgan, Mable Woolsey Elementary School 

• Jamie Palmer, Knoxville High School 

• Jolene Parrish, Mable Woolsey Elementary School 

• Heather Smith, Knoxville High School 

Monmouth-Roseville CUSD #238 – Monmouth Community Fund & Roseville Community Fund 

• Juli Cole, Harding Primary School 

• Brett Friel, Monmouth-Roseville Highschool 

• Nicole Trego, Monmouth-Roseville High School 

• Amy Watson, Harding Primary School 

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

United North Elementary School 

• Marci Bertelsen, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 

• Keeley Brinkmeier, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 

• Lauren Johnson, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 

• Carissa Jaminet, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 

• Amber Postin, Becky Carlson Teacher Mini Grant Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund  

• Breanna Ryner, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 

• Lynsey Temple, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 

• Jaclyn Turner, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 

• Paula Yung, Alexis Community Fund & United 304 Foundation Fund 

United West Elementary School 

• Barbe Ford, United 304 Foundation Fund and Becky Carlson Teacher Mini Grant Fund 

United Intermediate School 

• Amanda Carson, United 304 Foundation Fund and Becky Carlson Teacher Mini Grant Fund 

• Kay Hedrick, United 304 Foundation Fund and Becky Carlson Teacher Mini Grant Fund 

• Nicole Hull, United 304 Foundation Fund and Becky Carlson Teacher Mini Grant Fund 

• Nikki Robertson, United 304 Foundation Fund and Becky Carlson Teacher Mini Grant Fund 

United Junior High School 

• Melinda Fry, United 304 Foundation Fund 

• Amy Toops, United 304 Foundation Fund 

Williamsfield CUSD #210 – Williamsfield Community Fund

• Victor Mahnesmith, Williamsfield Schools 

• Lori Secrist, Williamsfield Schools 

• Starla Yelm, Williamsfield Schools 

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

The post Teacher Mini Grants Support Local Educators appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

Through everyday people volunteering their time, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of West Central Illinois provides children who are navigating the court system with something simple, yet incredibly important: someone who consistently shows up, listens, and stands by them.  

“During a case, a child may have fifteen different caseworkers and live in multiple different foster homes. CASA volunteers are often the one constant in a child’s life when everything else is shifting around them,” said Kelly Price, Executive Director of CASA of West Central Illinois. “They build trust, advocate for the child’s best interests, and make sure their voice is heard.”  

Grant support from Galesburg Community Foundation’s 2025 Turnout Grant Cycle is supporting key parts of CASA’s program, including volunteer recruitment and training, supervision, and the specialized software used to manage case records and court reporting.  

The need for volunteers continues growing. More than 320 children in Knox, Warren, Henderson, and McDonough County are in foster care. CASA serves just over 100. “We need more volunteers to close the gap,” said Price. “This grant will help us continue to recruit and support the people who make this work possible.” 

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They are retired teachers, nurses, business owners, and people with no professional background in child welfare. CASAs spend time with their paired child each month, attend court hearings, and gather insight from teachers, counselors, and caregivers. Their insights are shared directed with the judge to provide a clear picture of how the child is doing and anything they may need.  

“It’s about catching what might otherwise slip through the crack,” Price commented. “That could be getting a child into counseling, helping them get new glasses, or making sure they’re adjusting to a new school.”  

The impact is real. Children with a CASA are more likely to succeed in school, find stable placements, and spend less time in foster care.  

CASA is funded almost entirely by grants, donations, and fundraising. That means support from donors and partners like Galesburg Community Foundation doesn’t just sustain the program; it directly increases the number of children who receive advocacy, support, and stability during these chapters of their lives.  

“CASA is a powerful example of the incredible work nonprofits are doing for our region,” said Joshua Gibb, president & CEO of Galesburg Community Foundation. “They address the deep, personal challenges children face when navigating the court and foster care systems. Supporting organizations like CASA, is how we can invest in the long-term health of our region.” 

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, or supporting their mission, visit www.casaofwestcentralillinois.org.  

The post CASA’s Lasting Impact on Local Children appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

The Illinois Tax Credit Program offers a 25% state income tax credit to taxpayers that make donations to permanent endowment funds held by Qualified Community Foundations, such as Galesburg Community Foundation.  

Mark and Celia Godsil recently took advantage of the tax credit program and used it as an opportunity to create a fund that provides lasting support to one of their favorite local nonprofits. The Mark & Celia Godsil Endowment for Camp Big Sky will provide annual support for the needs of the organization. They commented, “This program seamlessly benefits all parties. It utilizes our donations by giving permanence to the causes we value and support, with the added benefit of a tax credit.”   

Endowment funds are designed to exist in perpetuity, with the principal amount invested to generate annual earnings, providing ongoing 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 not only support their favorite nonprofits and also receive a tax benefit,” commented Sarah Grant, Director of Development at Galesburg Community Foundation.  

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 assist donors through the process to obtain the credit. The maximum tax credit per taxpayer is $100,000 annually, and credits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. “If you have Illinois income tax liability and are regularly making a gift to a nonprofit, this is a great opportunity for you to make a gift to an endowment fund at Galesburg Community Foundation and obtain this tax benefit” commented Sarah Grant, Director of Development.  

To learn more and view the full list of the 82 eligible funds at Galesburg Community Foundation click here. For assistance with the application process, contact Sarah Grant Galesburg Community Foundation’s Director of Development at 309-344-8898.  

The post Illinois Gives Tax Credit: A Smart Way to Give appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

Often constrained by government funding that is restricted to programming and administrative costs, the Strom Center relies heavily on donations and fundraising to provide direct support for clients. With a $5,000 Henderson County Impact Grant from Galesburg Community Foundation, they were able to provide valuable direct assistance to their clients.  

The grant funding allowed the center to purchase lift chairs for multiple clients, tailored to each of their individual needs. For example, some clients needed chairs that reclined fully, while others needed chairs with easy-to-clean upholstery.  

“For individuals with severe mobility issues, access to a power lift chair can mean the difference between remaining in their home or being moved to a care facility. The ability to sit and stand independently changes everything” shared Carol McCreery, Executive Director of the Strom Center.  

The grant also gave them flexibility to address home safety concerns. In partnership with the Henderson County Health Department, heavy-duty power strips were distributed to replace hazardous cords commonly found in client’s homes. Outreach workers were able to make immediate safety improvements in their homes, potentially preventing fires.  

“Though the number of fires prevented is immeasurable, we are just so grateful that we were able to provide our clients with this service” added Carol.  

Transportation to medical appointments was another major hurdle the grant helped overcome. Many Henderson County residents must travel over an hour to reach necessary healthcare, often without the funds to cover fuel costs. The Strom Center used part of the grant to purchase gas cards, issued in various amounts based on mileage and medical necessity. Staff members coordinated the distribution of these cards, ensuring they went where they were most needed. 

Galesburg Community Foundation recently partnered with the Twomey Foundation and the Cavins Family Foundation Fund to award grants to thirteen nonprofit organizations in Henderson County, including the Strom Center.  The unrestricted grants celebrate the addition of Henderson County to the Community Foundation’s service area. 

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 post The Power of Unrestricted Support appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

The idea for the program sparked during an Illinois Library Association Conference, where library director, Yesenia Lambert, attended and listened to a session on multicultural programming, and wondered how she could adapt those ideas for a rural community like theirs.  

Thanks to a $2,500 grant from the Galesburg Community Foundation Henderson County Impact Grants, the library was able to bring her idea to life. The funding allowed the library to purchase a collection of cultural children’s books, laying the foundation for a yearlong program that now welcomes dozens of children each month.  

“Without the grant funding, we may have attempted something on a much smaller scale,” shared Lambert. “But this support allowed us to do the program the way that we wanted to.”  

Each month, Storytime Around the World focuses on a different county, selected to align with cultural holidays or heritage months. March brought Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day, and April opened the door to Spain, where children made castanets, and learned about Pablo Picasso. The story time is more than just stories; the program reflects thoughtful design. Younger children (aged 0-5) participate in a program with music and movement, while older children (ages 6+) learn facts about the country, enjoy a STEM activity, cultural crafts, and sometimes even sample foods of the region. The impact has been significant. Attendance has grown with more than 60 people attending a recent Storytime! But it’s not just the program that’s making a difference, it’s the space the library is creating.  

“Philanthropy opens the door for new ideas,” commented Joshua Gibb, President and CEO of Galesburg Community Foundation. “It gives the communities the tools they need to experiment, expand, and to serve in ways that truly matter, and the library fully embraced that.” 

This grant was awarded as a part of the Henderson County Impact Grants, that were awarded to celebrate the addition of Henderson County into the Community Foundations’ service area, and to introduce nonprofits in the county to Galesburg Community Foundation.  

“After the program ends, families stay, and children play and explore. It’s become a gathering space, a place for community to form,” added Lambert. 

This program is a reflection of how much can be done when local organizations have the resources and support needed to fulfill their ideas.  

“What’s powerful about this program is not only that it enriches the lives of kids, but it is giving rural families a reason and place to gather and connect,” Gibb added. “That’s the heart of what local philanthropy can do.”  

The post Cultural Exploration Through Storytime appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.

The Williamsfield Area Food Pantry and Resource Center was founded with the mindset that no one should have to experience discomfort while accessing essential resources. The organization plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity, serving families across the Williamsfield Area, as well the nearby communities of Victoria, Oneida, and Yates City. However, the pantry’s metal building created significant challenges, especially in the summer months when excessive heat affected both volunteers and food storage. Through their community grant cycle, Williamsfield Community Fund was able to help address this issue, by providing a grant for a mini-split air conditioning unit.  

“Just as the food pantry provides an essential service to our community, our advisory board felt this air conditioning unit served an essential need to provide comfortable conditions for workers and patrons and a stabilized temperature important to food quality. We gladly granted funds to support this meaningful change,” commented Joanie Stiers, Williamsfield Community Fund Advisory Board Member.  

With the addition of this air conditioning unit, volunteers can now work in a more comfortable environment. Additionally, the unit helps maintain the quality of stored food, reducing waste, and maximizing the pantry’s resources.  

“It has been a game changer for us,” said Janet Collopy, President of the Williamsfield Area Food Pantry and Resource Center. “Not only has it improved our working conditions, but it has also strengthened our ability to serve families who rely on us.”  

Williamsfield Community Fund is a fund of Galesburg Community Foundation.  Community Funds are guided by a local advisory board, of individuals who understand the needs of their neighbors, and are made possible by the generosity of donors who believe in the power of giving back. Community Funds are endowments, which are permanent funds where the principal is invested, and a portion of the returns are awarded locally as grants each year. Once a Community Fund is established it grows forever, creating a permanent source of financial support for local needs. Learn more about or make a gift to the Williamsfield Community Fund.  

The post Williamsfield Community Fund Grant Supports Williamsfield Area Food and Resource Pantry appeared first on Galesburg Community Foundation.