Reimagining Workforce Development
We are committed to evolve in our understanding of how philanthropy contributes to workforce development and the prosperity of Central Illinois.
Each grant, scholarship and community project funded through donations to the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) tells a story of impact and transformation. We’re honored to support the citizens who live in Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties with HICF’s discretionary grant funding. Our ongoing efforts reimagine how to meet the important needs of Central Illinois, including workforce development.
For the second year in a row, Illinois was named the “No. 1 leader in workforce development” in the Midwest by Site Selection Magazine. [https://dceo.illinois.gov/news...] We're honored to follow the lead of impactful local organizations such as the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County in making workforce development a priority for our community.
At its core, workforce development is about being prepared to meet both current and future challenges. Toward meeting that goal, HICF provides innovative grant funding to help reduce barriers to good-paying jobs and to support apprenticeships and other programs designed to provide residents and businesses of Central Illinois with a valuable competitive edge.
Most recently, our commitment to workforce development included partnering with Richland Community College on a new $15 million CEJA Network program. A snapshot of this new program and other HICF workforce development funding and project support includes:
- Clean Jobs (CEJA) Workforce Network Program. This collaboration with Richland Community College is one of 11 Illinois CEJA hubs currently selected for $3 million annual grant funding from the State of Illinois. The CEJA hub will offer training, certification preparation and skill development for entry-level jobs in clean energy-related industries such as solar, wind, energy efficiency and EV maintenance.
- Adult Scholarship Program. This one-of-a-kind program provides adults and nontraditional students with the opportunity to earn degrees in person or online at a college/university regionally accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), nationwide. The program supports two-year, four-year, master’s or Ph.D. degrees. Applicants must reside in Macon, Moultrie or Piatt counties. Applications open Sept. 1 for Spring 2025 semester. Scholarship awards range up to $2,500 per individual. Annual funding for this program over two scholarship cycles, spring and fall, is $100,000.
- Macon County IBEW Apprenticeship Program and Michael T. Carrigan Solidarity Scholarship. These programs provide annual funding to support Macon County union members in good standing or workers with a path of entry into a union.
- HICF CommunityWorks. Projects supported by this annual program have included Richland Community College’s EnRich and RESTORE Tutoring; Workforce Investment Solutions Workforce Career Pathways Project; The Salvation Army of Decatur’s Workforce Development for Homeless Men Initiative and Prairieland Service Coordination’s Accessing Community Employment Program.
- Workforce Investment Solutions’ Childcare certification program. Supported by HICF funding, this 8-week childcare bridge program is focused on increasing the pool of qualified daycare employees.
- Cancer Care scholarship supports oncology/hematology continuing education and professional development opportunities for healthcare professionals, including but not limited to nurses, radiation therapists, laboratory technicians and pharmacists, who provide oncology/hematology-related services in Central and Southern Illinois.
- Young Leaders in Action. HICF’s youth-led initiative focuses on developing leadership, community, social and analytical skills. Membership is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors attending one of the 11 Macon County high schools.
Clearly, workforce development isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The HICF continues to strengthen our community’s ever-evolving diverse workforce and to promote economic growth through proactive, transformative grants and comprehensive programs that tangibly connect to the needs of local employers. At HICF, we’re proud to be a significant contributor to our region’s success in workforce development.
