Do Something Great Awards

The Do Something Great awards program honors remarkable individuals who’ve made a significant impact through their generosity, skills and dedication to transforming Macon County.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) has sponsored this program for the past 22 years.

Congratulations to our 2026 honorees:

• Tom Miller, Award for Excellence in Inclusion, nominated by David Lane, Greater St. Louis Area Scouting
• Carmen Rivera, Award for Excellence in Inclusion, nominated by the HICF
• Decatur Blaze, Outstanding Young Philanthropists, nominated by Jennifer Dahn, PawPrint Ministries
• Jeff Mays, Ellsworth Dansby, Jr. Volunteer Service Award, nominated by Saramanda Hall, Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Brigitta Kapp, Preston Jackson Arts Award, nominated by Jami Fawley, Decatur Area Arts Council
• Darsonya Switzer, Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award, nominated by Dove, Inc. Board of Directors
• Bruce and Nancy Frey, Robert and Bev Ketenbrink Community Commitment Award, nominated by Andrea Cardinal, The Good Samaritan Inn

To view a list of past recipients, visit www.heartofillinois.org/award-recipients.

For more information about the Do Something Great awards program, call Natalie Beck at 217.429.3000 or send an email to nbeck@heartofillinois.org.

The 2027 Do Something Great Award Categories are listed below - nominations are now being accepted. To nominate someone for a community award, email your nomination to Kaitlyn Farrar at Kfarrar@heartofillinois.org. Please share highlights of the nominee's specific contributions and which award you're nominating them for. Please provide details about their community involvement, the impact of their work, and how they embody the award's criteria.

Award of Excellence in Inclusion
Award honors a nonprofit organization/or individual at the frontier of advancing inclusion and working toward an equitable Macon County community. The nomination should include evidence demonstrating an ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, to advancing diversity awareness within Macon County, and to serving as an advocate for the interests of underrepresented populations.

Outstanding Young Philanthropist
Award recognizes service by an individual or organization of individuals under age 40 who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteerism and leadership in philanthropy.

The Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Volunteer Service Award
Award presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, devoted great time and effort to charitable causes, and shown a deep commitment of voluntary action to address community needs.

The Preston Jackson Arts Award
Award honors creators, conceivers, radical thinking and risk-takers providing philanthropic support to the arts in Macon County.

The Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year
Award presented to an individual paid professional who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, dedication and talent toward helping society. This may include (but is not limited to) executive directors, directors of development, program directors and support staff. Additional criteria could include description of achievements specific to providing community assistance during the pandemic. In 2021, this annual award was renamed in memory of the late Ray Batman, longtime executive director of Dove, Inc. Batman was well known throughout the local area as a servant-leader, mentor and community hero whose actions made a positive difference in our community in numerous ways. He died unexpectedly in June 2021.

The Robert and Bev Ketenbrink Community Commitment Award
Award presented to an individual, a couple or a family with a record of exceptional generosity, demonstrated outstanding civic or charitable responsibility, and leadership that has encouraged and motivated others toward roles in philanthropy. This award includes a $1,000 grant to the recipient's charity of choice.