Creating Connections that Change Lives

White Heath Elementary students celebrate their new book vending machine!

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is connected and invested in Piatt County's success.

  • Local staff, Cristin Wright, is connected to donors and community needs with an office located at the historic Wabash Depot and Tourism Center.
  • Representation on HICF board of trustees - Michelle Gross, State Bank of Bement.
  • Adult scholarship program offers nontraditional students living in Piatt County up to $2,500 per semester for education. Two Piatt County adult scholarship recipients were selected for Spring 2025 semester: Lydia Strand and Veronica Jones.
  • Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois Scholarship is now offered to healthcare professionals in Piatt County who provide oncology/hematology related services.

2024 grant funding into Piatt County: $221,477.48

  • $52,500 granted to Hope Lives Youth Ranch
  • $34,000 granted to Piatt County first responders
  • $28,287.48 granted to Willow Tree Missions for their education and community programs space build out
  • $20,440 granted to Piatt County food pantries
  • $15,000 granted to Cerro Gordo CUSD #100 for their Fired Up for the fine arts program
  • $12,500 granted to Monticello schools for exterior community garden
  • $11,850 granted to Piatt County Animal Shelter
  • $10,000 granted to support Kirby Wellness Trail
  • $8,500 granted to White Heath School to provide a book vending machine and stock with books from local book store Hartfield Book Company
  • $6,000 granted to Piatt County summer camp programs
  • $5,000 granted to Marisa's Purpose
  • $4,000 granted to Piatt County Mental Health Center
  • $3,900 granted to Bement CUSD
  • $2,500 granted to Piatt County educators for inclusion grants
  • $2,500 granted to Piatt County Red Kettle Campaign
  • $1,500 granted to Allerton Public Library
  • $1,000 granted to Monticello Middle School teacher Jenna Bolen for microscopes
  • $1,000 granted to Monticello Railway Museum
  • $1,000 granted to Piatt County Toy & Gift Program
  • 3-year investor in Sangamon Valley CEO program
  • 2 residents selected as adult scholarship recipients
  • Member Monticello Chamber of Commerce
  • Sponsor Kirby Derby
Hope Lives Youth Ranch