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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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Turnout grants utilize resources from the Community Foundation’s unrestricted Impact Fund and Field of Interest Funds along with contributions from generous community donors who hold Donor Advised Funds at the Community Foundation.  

“The Turnout is designed to elevate the voices of local nonprofits and provide them with a platform to clearly express their needs,” said Joshua Gibb, President and CEO of Galesburg Community Foundation. “It reflects the power of connecting donors directly with the work happening in our communities and their shared commitment to strengthening the region through meaningful, responsive grantmaking.” 

 This year, more than $550,000 was awarded to nonprofits, the most ever awarded through the annual grant cycle. This was due in large part to individuals and families with donor-advised funds at the Community Foundation.  

“It is an honor to facilitate connections between our donor advisors and causes they care about in our community,” said Sarah Grant, Director of Development. “The Turnout offers a unique opportunity to elevate local nonprofit work while engaging donors in strategic grantmaking that enhances the quality of life across our region.” 

To learn more about starting a Donor Advised Field of Interest Fund, reach out to Sarah Grant at sgrant@yourgcf.org or call 309.344.8898.  

See Who Received Grants  

Turnout grants support programs and projects in four areas: arts, culture, and community enhancement; health and human services; education and workforce development; and nonprofit capacity, sustainability, and reinvention. The following 42 nonprofits will receive full funding for proposals submitted for the 2025 grant cycle:  

Grant Recipients  

Alternatives for the Older Adult, Alternatives Caregiver Support Program 

Bishop Hill Heritage Association, 2026 Bishop Hill Civil War Days 

Blessings in a Backpack, Feeding Students: Addressing the Escalating Food Prices 

Buchanan Center For the Arts, Constructing a Legacy 

Camp Big Sky, Living a Life Like Any Other 

CASA of West Central Illinois, CASA of West Central Illinois Program Funding 

Choral Dynamics of Galesburg, Inc, Choral Dynamics of Galesburg – Benefit concerts 

Crime Stoppers of Warren County Inc, P3tips Technology Upgrade 

Discovery Depot., Smart from the Start 

Family Outreach Community Center, Essential Staffing for Community Stability and Support 

First Assembly of God Church of Abingdon, Equipping the Abingdon Community Center 

Galesburg Community Chorus, 2025-2026 Season 

Galesburg CUSD #205., Keisha Cares 

Galesburg Rescue Mission and Women’s Shelter, Strategic Project Management for Enabled Growth and Increased Impact 

Galesburg Youth Athletic Club, Continuing Carlos’ Legacy 

Habitat for Humanity of Knox County, IL, Community Engagement & Sustainable Fundraising Initiative 

Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters, Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Mentoring Program 

Henderson County Fair Association, Family Night 

Henderson County Health Department, Technology Update 

Henderson County Historical Society Inc., Strategic Planning & 50^th Anniversary 

Henderson County Public Library District, Supporting Independent Reading with Talking Books 

Henderson County Rural Health Center, Eagle View Community Health, Eagle View Essential IT Updates 

Historic Ellisville Restoration Organization H.E.R.O., Making Forgotonia Better 

Knox County Community Artisans, Knox County Community Artisans Administrative Coordinator 

Knox County Housing Authority, REST: Restore, Energize, Strengthen, Transform 

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Galesburg Children’s Services 

National Stearman Fly-In NFP Inc., National Stearman Fly-In Video Security Project 

Nova Singers, 2025 – 2026 Season 

Prairie Players Civic Theatre, Raise the Risers for Prairie Players Civic Theatre 

Prairie State Legal Services, Civil Legal Aid 

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, A Home Away From Home 

Roseville Kids Place, Early Childhood 2025 Operations 

Special Olympics Illinois, Region F Spring Games 

Strom Center, Inc., Henderson County Direct Client Assistance 

The Orpheum Theatre, Youth Entertainment Series 

Thrive Community Services, Senior Care in Knox County 

Triumph Services, Inc., Camp Kidz Day Camp 

TROLS Inc., TROLSINC 2025 

Turning Point Child Advocacy Center, TPCAC – Counseling Program & Transportation Support 

Two Rivers Arts Council, Henderson County MultiGenerational Arts Activities 

Warren Achievement Center, Community Integration 

Warren County Treasurer, Warren County Sheriff’s Office trail cameras 

About Galesburg Community Foundation 

Galesburg Community Foundation develops and supports the efforts of local people and organizations to promote healthy communities. The 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.  

Learn more at www.YourGCF.org. 

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Bob is gaining strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility with the help of a new recumbent bicycle the center purchased last year through The Turnout, Galesburg Community Foundation’s annual competitive grant cycle. As he pedals, he keeps his focus on the bicycle’s monitor, which shows an avatar taking laps around a track. His goal is to make four laps in 15 minutes.

Bob comes to the center, which provides adult day services, four days each week. Bob has diabetes and sciatic nerve issues. Function Junction helps him keep his weight down and health issues in check so that he can remain living independently at home and active in the community. “You have to stay busy,” says Bob. “If you don’t, you’re going to go down hill fast.”

The new bike has a swivel seat, so even clients in wheelchairs can participate. “This enhances access for participants with limited mobility,” says Jackie Jennings RN, Director of Adult Day and Health Services at the center. “By allowing for participants to actively engage in safe exercise with trained professionals, we can help enhance our clients’ quality of life while helping them maintain their dignity and independence.”

Gordon Behrents Senior Center was one of the local nonprofits supported by a Galesburg Community Foundation Turnout Grant in the last year. The grants are funded from the Foundation’s Community Impact Fund, which is comprised of unrestricted gifts from generous community donors, and from individuals who hold Donor Advised Funds at the Community Foundation.

In total, 37 local nonprofits received full funding for projects they undertook over the last year:

• B.Y.E. Ambulance Service – For a new cardiac monitor/defibrillator
• Best Buddies International – Developed opportunities for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to meet and grow new friendships
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Knox County – For their youth mentoring program in Knox County
• Bishop Hill Heritage Association – Hosted a professional acting troupe from Gothenberg, Sweden
• Court Appointed Special Advocates of West Central Illinois – For their program, which advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system
• Choral Dynamics of Galesburg – Supported production costs for two performances
• Discovery Depot Children’s Museum – Supported a free, weekly, developmentally based program for children ages 3 months to 3 years and their caregivers
• Family Planning Service of Western Illinois, Inc. – Provided low-to-no-cost, confidential sexual health care and education
• Galesburg Heritage Days – Supported entertainment costs for the annual living history event
• Galesburg Community Art Center – Supported ARTReach activities for individuals of all ages and abilities
• Galesburg Community Chorus – Supported general operations to increase outreach and engage a younger, more diverse audience and artist base
• Galesburg Youth Athletic Club – Supported programming for at-risk youth of Knox county through their Olympic-style boxing program
• Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois – Supported the Girl Scout Leadership Program in Knox and Warren Counties
• Habitat for Humanity of Knox County – Upgraded outdated technology
• Historic Ellisville Restoration Organization – Supported the Spoon River Rascals 20th anniversary show season
• KCCDD – Gordon Behrents Senior Center – Funded equipment for the center’s fitness program
• Knox County Child Advocacy Center – Supported the cost of supplies used to assist with counseling for children and their caregivers
• Knox-Galesburg Symphony – Supported the visiting artist residency series
• Knox Jazz Year – Supported educational outreach initiatives
• Lutheran Social Services of Illinois – Provided basic needs items to children and families they serve from their Galesburg office
• Monmouth Early Learning Center – Supported programs and services in education and recreation for preschoolers
• National Stearman Fly-In – Purchased audio-visual equipment in the new 500+ seating capacity International Stearman Community Center hangar
• Nova Singers – Supported their ’22-’23 season
• Prairie Players Civic Theatre – For a week-long theatre residency program that culminates in two public performances
• Prairie State Legal Services – Supported free legal services to low-income people, people age 60 or over, victims of domestic violence, and veterans
• Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center – Supported therapeutic horseback riding and un-mounted horsemanship opportunities for children and adults with special needs
• River Bend Food Bank – Purchased cooler and freezer equipment at the Galesburg location
• Henderson, Knox, Mercer, and Warren Regional Office of Education #33 – Helped students who struggle in a regular school environment receive training and certifications to improve job opportunities
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois – Provided a supportive place for families from Knox and Warren counties to stay while their child is receiving medical care
• Roseville Kids Place – Supported their year-round infant/toddler program, year-round preschool program, before and after school-age program, and summer school-age program
• Special Olympics Illinois – Provided year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities
• Strom Center – Supported direct client assistance for seniors (age 60+) and disabled adults (age 18+) in Warren and Henderson counties
• The Orpheum Theatre – Expanded the Youth Entertainment Series for students in grades K-8
• Triumph Services, Inc. – Supported Camp Kidz, a summer day camp for individuals in Knox, Warren, and Henderson Counties with developmental disabilities
• Warren Achievement Center – Increased community integration for individuals with developmental disabilities
• Warren County Historical Society – Supported the Great Nicola Magic Festival (aka Magic Fest)
• United Way of Greater Warren County – Supported strategic planning and equipment for the nonprofit enrichment center

Turnout grants for 2023-24 will be awarded in July. To learn more about Galesburg Community Foundation’s Impact Fund and how to make a gift, visit yourgcf.org/Impact.

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That location is the former Rheinschmidt’s Carpet Center in downtown Galesburg. The recently renovated space will also be home to the new Galesburg branch of River Bend Food Bank. “This is truly community-changing and definitely helps us fulfill our mission,” Copeland said.

“It strengthens everything we do,” agreed Elizabeth Culbertson, FISH’s new executive director. “This is a huge step for us and the people we serve.”

This past July, FISH served 423 families, including 1,112 individuals. In a year, it serves upwards of 17,000 individuals. Yet FISH’s former location was a challenge for families. “Some guests had to take two to three buses to get there and back,” said Copeland.

Along with being easier to access for clients, the new Galesburg food hub also helps reduce staff workload for the food pantry. The bulk of FISH’s food is purchased from River Bend. A truck delivered goods once a month to the pantry’s former location. But since their new facility is shared with River Bend, managing those deliveries will now be much easier.

“It was a really big job to unload all of it,” Copeland said. “Now, we’re not going to have to do that because our food will be right here, and they’ll unload it directly into our pantry area. It’s going to help immensely.”

Incorporated in 1970, FISH has grown over the decades to meet the evolving needs of the community, Copeland reflected. “It’s grown from a phone number for a person needing assistance to this awesome opportunity,” she said. “If it weren’t for Galesburg Community Foundation and River Bend Food Bank, this dream would not be a reality.”

For the Galesburg Community Foundation, the renovated building is a Mission Impact Investment. Resources were reallocated from the Foundation’s investment portfolio to purchase and renovate the building, making a local investment that generates both a measurable social impact and a financial return. The dollars earned from the food bank investment will be allocated to the Foundation’s granting portfolio.

FYI: Food banks vs. food pantries

The terms “food bank” and “food pantry” are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually different entities (and both critical in fighting food insecurity).

A food bank sources and stores food products in a warehouse before delivering them to partner agencies—including food pantries as well as schools and other meal sites—that individuals and families can visit to receive food. The new food bank in Galesburg brings River Bend Food Bank closer to roughly 50 of its partner food pantries and other hunger-relief partners.

FISH of Galesburg renovation photos

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To be considered for funding, organizations submit an application that is reviewed by a committee of local volunteers. Decisions are made based on community needs in the priority areas of education and workforce development; health and human services; community enhancement, art and culture; and nonprofit capacity, mission sustainability, and reinvention.

Funds for the grants come from the Community Foundation’s Impact Fund and Donor Advised Funds. “The important work of our nonprofits spans from youth to senior services, access to the arts, education, healthcare, food, and so much more—services that enable and enrich our daily lives,” said Joshua Gibb, Foundation President and C.E.O. “We are grateful to the many people who give to our Community Impact Fund to ensure that we can grant these dollars.”

Individuals with Donor Advised Funds at the Foundation have the opportunity to view the nonprofit proposals and may choose to fund specific organizations. “Through The Turnout, nonprofits have the opportunity to tell their stories and connect with donors who want to be charitable,” said Tiffany Springer, Galesburg Community Foundation Director of Grants & Programs.

The following 37 nonprofits will receive full funding for proposals submitted for the 2022 grant cycle:

B.Y.E. Ambulance Service – For a new cardiac monitor/defibrillator

Best Buddies International – To develop opportunities for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to meet and grow new friendships

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Knox County – For their youth mentoring program in Knox County

Bishop Hill Heritage Association – To support hosting a professional acting troupe from Gothenberg, Sweden

Court Appointed Special Advocates of West Central Illinois – To support the program, which advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system

Choral Dynamics of Galesburg – To support production costs for two performances

Discovery Depot Children’s Museum – To support a free, weekly, developmentally based program for children ages 3 months to 3 years and their caregivers

Family Planning Service of Western Illinois, Inc. – To provide low-to-no-cost, confidential sexual health care and education

Galesburg Heritage Days – To support entertainment costs for the annual living history event

Galesburg Community Art Center – To support ARTReach activities for individuals of all ages and abilities

Galesburg Community Chorus – For general operations to increase outreach and engage a younger, more diverse audience and artist base

Galesburg Youth Athletic Club – To support programming for at-risk youth of Knox county through their Olympic-style boxing program

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois – To support the Girl Scout Leadership Program in Knox and Warren Counties

Habitat for Humanity of Knox County – To upgrade outdated technology

Historic Ellisville Restoration Organization – To support the Spoon River Rascals 20^th anniversary show season

KCCDD – Gordon Behrents Senior Center – To fund equipment for the center’s fitness program

Knox County Child Advocacy Center – To support the cost of supplies used to assist with counseling for children and their caregivers

Knox-Galesburg Symphony – To support the visiting artist residency series

Knox Jazz Year – To support educational outreach initiatives

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois – To provide basic needs items to children and families they serve from their Galesburg office

Monmouth Early Learning Center – for programs and services in education and recreation for preschoolers

National Stearman Fly-In – For audio-visual equipment in the new 500+ seating capacity International Stearman Community Center hangar

Nova Singers – To support their ’22-’23 season

Prairie Players Civic Theatre – For a week-long theatre residency program that culminates in two public performances

Prairie State Legal Services – To support free legal services to low-income people, people age 60 or over, victims of domestic violence, and veterans

Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center – To support therapeutic horseback riding and un-mounted horsemanship opportunities for children and adults with special needs

River Bend Food Bank – For cooler and freezer equipment at the Galesburg location

Henderson, Knox, Mercer, and Warren Regional Office of Education #33 – To help students who struggle in a regular school environment receive training and certifications to improve job opportunities

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois – To provide a supportive place for families from Knox and Warren counties to stay while their child is receiving medical care

Roseville Kids Place – To support their year-round infant/toddler program, year-round preschool program, before and after school-age program, and summer school-age program

Special Olympics Illinois – To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities

Strom Center – For direct client assistance for seniors (age 60+) and disabled adults (age 18+) in Warren and Henderson counties

The Orpheum Theatre – To expand the Youth Entertainment Series for students in grades K-8

Triumph Services, Inc. – For Camp Kidz, a summer day camp for individuals in Knox, Warren, and Henderson Counties with developmental disabilities

Warren Achievement Center – To increase community integration for individuals with developmental disabilities

Warren County Historical Society – To support the Great Nicola Magic Festival (aka Magic Fest)

United Way of Greater Warren County – To support strategic planning and equipment for the nonprofit enrichment center

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