Discretionary Grant Programs
Strengthening the nonprofit community through grantmaking and other services is critical to our mission of building a better community.
The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation helps nonprofits carry out their important work by awarding grants, forging community partnerships and educating community philanthropists and partners about the organizations that are most aligned with their charitable interests.
The Heart of Illinois (HICF) and Decatur Earthmover Credit Union (DECU) have partnered on a first-of-its-kind comprehensive $1 million funding collaboration, Moving Forward.
Moving Forward includes four discretionary open-call grant programs, Places & Neighborhoods ($100,000), CommunityWorks ($400,000), Emergency Services Support ($100,000) and Impact200 ($200,000). An additional $200,000 in grant funding will benefit DEI, food insecurity, arts and summer educational programs.
Grants will be distributed throughout 2024 and timelines as well as more information for each funding program will be posted below. Funding will be granted in Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt Counties as well as Paris, IL, where DECU provides services.
Places & Neighborhoods Grant Program
New in 2024, the Places & Neighborhoods Grant Program awarded $100,000.
Emergency Medical Services Grant Program
New in 2024, the Emergency Medical Services Grant Program awarded $100,000.
Arts/Summer Camp Grant Program
New in 2024, the Arts/Summer Camp Grant Program awarded $30,000.
CommunityWorks Endowment Grant Program
In 2024, the CommunityWords Endowment Grant Program awarded $400,000. This program funds three priority areas: workforce development, education and environmental sustainability.
Impact200 Grant Program
Annually, the Impact100 Grant Program contributes at least $100,000 in community grants to not-for-profit organizations. In 2024, the fund will award $200,000 and is open to Macon, Piatt, Moultrie Counties and Paris, Illinois, organizations. The application window closed August 6 and grants will be announced October 15.
Educational Grant Programs
In addition to our annual CommunityWorks grant program, the HICF administers several donor advised and endowed funds which provide educational support.
Equity and Inclusion Grant Program
The Equity and Inclusion Fund and the Racial Equity Fund provide grant funding to move us toward a more equitable and inclusive society and support the causes and organizations that recognize, value and embrace the differences among us.
Microgrant Program
Microgrants are strategic investments in people and organizations to be used to defray the cost of attending programs targeted at improving the management, governance and leadership of the applicant organization. Click here to view microgrant recipients.
Untold Stories Program
Launched in February, Untold Stories is a $120,000 grant program focused on partnering with community groups to acknowledge and uncover untold history, support partnerships and build relationships. This program is for Macon County organizations.
