Joshua Gibb, President & CEO, and David Erickson, Board Chairman, of Galesburg Community Foundation, reflected on the unique work of Galesburg Community Foundation and its impact on the region over the last twenty years.  

How has the Community Foundation’s purpose evolved since its inception?  

DE: Initially, the Community Foundation was very focused on healthcare, providing health services or scholarships for those pursuing the medical field. But we learned that there is so much more to a healthy community than healthcare alone, and we now include the areas of art, education, and social services in our definition of a healthy community. This has been very purposeful for not only the Community Foundation but the region we serve.  

JG: In the first strategic planning session for the Community Foundation, we knew what a Community Foundation was, but we didn’t know how to get from where we were to where we could be. So, we started thinking about what it really means to be a healthy community. We discussed that a healthy community was robust arts, access to education, ample physical activity, and a health care system that supported its people. That conversation was really a turning point, and a solid foundation for our work, which gave us the platform to take the next step of measured growth in terms of what philanthropy can do for our region.  

What unique value does the Community Foundation offer compared to other charitable organizations or initiatives?  

JG: The Community Foundation is unique because of our emphasis on partnership. By working closely with our donors, and nonprofits, we leverage each other’s strengths which can create a significant impact. Through a collaborative approach, we can find true success and differentiation from other charitable initiatives.   

DE: The Community Foundation is a problem solver for our region. We figure out ways to make things happen to benefit the community. We help people strategize their ideas, in a way that is useful in the community, and we use endowment to ensure that causes have permanent resources available to them. By doing these things, the Community Foundation has become a gift to the local community, offering support and opportunities like never before.  

How does (or how would you like to see) the foundation plan to sustain & expand its impact over the coming years 

JG: I hope that people see that the community foundation is a place where thought leadership happens. Where collaborative conversations can begin. Galesburg Community Foundation is a place that can be trusted by people who know they want to support a community but may not know how to get started. The DNA of the Community Foundation is measurable, it’s responsible, thoughtful, and stable. And as more and more people get to know what it is that we do, I hope they join us to increase the opportunities that provide stability to our region.  

How has philanthropy/generosity impacted our region in the last 20 years? 

JG: Over the last 20 years, millions of dollars have been invested back into the region through the power of endowment. This money has fed families, clothed people, brought educational opportunities, built buildings, and so much more. But we also bring people into these processes and help them be involved; by providing connection and opportunity we have made it possible for people to contribute to the causes they care about.  

DE: The Community Foundation takes a positive approach to all its giving and involvement in the community. People want to be a part of something positive and growing, and GCF creates that opportunity for this region.  

What do you wish more people knew about the Community Foundation?  

DE: The Community Foundation is something that all people can be involved with. It does not matter the size of the gift, using the power of endowment and consistently giving is what is impactful, for both people and communities. 

JG: The Community Foundation is there when you need it, and what I want people to know is that whatever point of life that they’re in, and whenever it is that they need us, we will be there, and we will be ready, and able to answer your questions and help you achieve whatever you want to achieve, no matter the variables. We are guided by what we believe to be right for this region, and that philanthropy is worth investing in. 

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When you go out for coffee with Dr. John McClean, expect to be interrupted.

Every few minutes, a passerby will stop over to say hello or wish him well—former patients or their family members whose lives he touched during his long career as a local oncologist.

His connections to the community made John a perfect fit for serving on—and eventually chairing—the Galesburg Community Foundation board. “John is a passionate, heartfelt man,” says Joshua Gibb, president and CEO. “He’s always considering not just what the Community Foundation can do but what he can do within the Community Foundation.”

As John steps down from his role as chair, we asked him to reflect how the Community Foundation has grown under his leadership.

What inspired you to join the Galesburg Community Foundation board?

I went into healthcare to help people, so when I got the invitation to join the board, it seemed like a natural way to continue helping people and improving the standard of living in our area. The community has been good to me, so I wanted to give back.

As chair, you championed the Mission Impact Investment that helped lead to the Galesburg branch of River Bend Food Bank and a new home for FISH of Galesburg. How did that come about?

We learned about some foundations doing mission impact investing projects. We sat down and said, “Why can’t we?” Soon enough, River Bend Food Bank began to show an interest in establishing a local presence closer to their partners in our region. We also knew the FISH food pantry wasn’t in an ideal location and needed more space. This was exactly the right kind of opportunity, so we began looking for a building to buy as a mission impact investment.

The Community Foundation has also been combating food insecurity through the Hunger Collaborative. What’s special about this effort?

When we looked at efforts to fight hunger in our communities, one word that kept coming to mind was “fragmentation.” As a leader in the region, the Community Foundation thought we could help coordinate this work so that it could do an even better job at feeding those in need.

I believe that food is a right, not a luxury. And I knew that to get this collaboration rolling, it would take money. That’s why I felt it was important to give a significant donation. It’s been exciting to see organizations come to the table together for the first time, and that holds great benefit down the road not just in food, but in other areas as well.

What do you wish more people knew about the Community Foundation?

You don’t have to open a huge fund to be a part of the Community Foundation. Every gift makes a positive impact, no matter its size. We’re here to give everyone an opportunity to make a difference. What’s next? I may no longer be the chairperson, but I still have a couple of years left on the board, and I’m looking forward to the new projects the staff has in store for me. I hope they keep me busy!

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So when Erickson was asked to join the Galesburg Community Foundation Board of Directors, it was an opportunity he was happy to accept. “The Foundation finds ways to retain and build resources for the good of the local community. I’d never done anything quite like that before, so it had some real appeal to me.”

Erickson joined the board five years ago and was named chairman at its recent February board meeting. He steps into the role previously held by Dr. John McClean, who stepped down after completing his term as chair. In addition to Erickson and McClean, other members of the Community Foundation Board of Directors include Dr. Brian Plattner (vice chairman), Carol Shaw (secretary), Lisa Gavin (treasurer), Dustin Courson, Dr. Subbia Jagannathan, Chad Long, Cynthia Stoerzbach, Dr. Adam Welty, and Jamie Yemm.

Erickson enjoys working with the other members of the board and staff. “The Foundation has always had a strong staff to carry out the activities of the organization, but the board really helps direct the thought process and overall strategy of how we move forward. I think that’s a way to have a real impact on the future of the community–by helping direct that vision of where we’re going to go and how we’re going to get there.”

During his tenure, Erickson would like to see the region that the Community Foundation serves grow. “I’d like for people to understand that we’re much broader than the ‘Galesburg’ that’s in our title. We serve nonprofits throughout Knox and Warren counties, and I’d like to take it further.”

He’d also like to spread the message that any sort of contribution you can give toward your community is important. “It’s not about the amount of money, but the fact that you can give back in any way that you’re able.”

Erickson sees the Community Foundation as a place where you can leave a legacy. “Whether it’s through your work, through your gifts, or by helping others identify ways to give, Galesburg Community Foundation offers opportunities to have an impact now and in the future.”

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Looking back, Dr. Welty has gained a broad perspective on how the scholarship he received helped him do just that. With it, he was able to graduate from dental school with a lighter burden of loans, allowing him to focus on the transition into practice. But the support of the scholarship gave him something perhaps even more important. “When you know that you are being invested in by the community, it is empowering and enriching,” said Dr. Welty.

Today, students in Knox and Warren Counties and the surrounding area have the same opportunity to pursue their goals with their community behind them. From February to March 1, Galesburg Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships that have all been made possible by the gifts of generous community members. Learn more about the scholarships.

“We’ve made it easy to apply online to the scholarships you’re eligible for, so we encourage all students to see what’s available,” said Jillian Isaacson, Director of Grants and Programs for the Community Foundation. “Just like the donors who made gifts to establish these scholarships, we know that when our students succeed, so do our communities.”

Dr. Welty has established a dental practice in Galesburg and joined the Community Foundation’s board of directors in 2021. “I care deeply about this community,” he said, “and I want folks to know that the community cares so much about those who live here, too.”

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