Moving Forward
Building a Stronger, Healthier Community
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, financial literacy, arts and summer education 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.
Moving Forward Announcement Press Release
Get to Know Our Funding Partner, Decatur Earthmover Credit Union
Since 1956, DECU has served as a member-owned full-service, financial institution serving all who live or work in Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Logan, Macon, McLean, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon and Shelby counties.
Investing in the communities DECU serves has always been an important part of their organization's philosophy. Every year since 2013, DECU has selected a non-profit in the community to support throughout the year through direct investment of time and treasure. From collecting diapers for expectant mothers served by Baby Talk, goodie bags for local nursing home, Prairie Creek Village, to organizing our community's Christmas parade every year, DECU takes their well-known slogan "It's Friends, Family and You" to heart.
Grant to African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society ($50,000) and launch of Untold Stories program ($120,000)
Places & Neighborhoods Grant Program ($100,000)
That's What She Said Macon County
Decatur Earthmover Credit Union was the Step & Repeat sponsor for this inaugural event.
EMS Grant Program ($100,000)
Moving Forward grant recipients by funding program
August/September
Available Funding & Eligibility
- $200,000 available
- Funding range per grant: no minimum to $50,000
- Have 501(c) 3 status from the Internal Revenue Service or be a qualified charitable, religious or government organization in Macon, Piatt, or Moultrie counties or Paris, IL.
Purpose & Types of Projects Supported
The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation invites proposals in the areas of arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education.
What is your organization’s greatest need right now? Do you have a one-time project that would address a critical need? Are you starting a new program or expanding a current one? Do you have an improvement project that’s beyond your organization’s means?
Timeline to Apply
- Application opens Aug. 6 at 9:00 a.m. and will close Sept. 13 at 4:30 p.m.
- Recipients will be announced October 15 on Byers and Co. followed by check presentations at a DECU branch at the end of October.
Learn more about the Impact200 grant program.
More Information
Questions about the competitive grant cycle and application process should be directed to HICF President, Natalie Beck, at nbeck@heartofillinois.org or by calling 217.429.3000.
November
Dove was the DECU nonprofit of the year.
Dove is an organization that engages religious institutions, volunteers, and advocates seeking to coordinate efforts to address unmet needs and social injustices. These needs are met through coordinated programs focusing on domestic violence, homelessness education, volunteer and community empowerment, and individual emergency need fulfillment.
Dove works for justice, equality, and understanding among all people.
Photos from $50,000 Dove surprise grant presentation
December
Stay tuned for exciting details on how Decatur Earthmover Credit Union and the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation will commemorate the impact of the $1 Million Moving Forward Campaign.
