Over $255,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Local Students
The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) is proud to announce more than $255,000 in scholarship awards for the upcoming 2026 academic year, investing in the educational goals of graduating high school seniors, current college students, and adults throughout Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt Counties.
This year, HICF awarded $157,500 through 73 individual scholarship awards to graduating high school seniors pursuing college, trade, certification, and apprenticeship pathways. Each scholarship award was presented to the recipient in person at their high school’s awards event, with HICF representatives present at 13 different high school events from late April to mid-May. In addition, the Foundation awarded $9,000 in new scholarship support to 12 current college students and will distribute an additional $30,750 in renewing scholarship awards to 29 continuing college students for the Fall 2026 semester.
Additionally, through the Foundation’s Adult Scholarship Program, HICF will also award $58,000 to 30 adult learners, including both new and renewing recipients pursuing higher education, workforce training, and apprenticeship opportunities. New and continuing adult students, along with this year’s 17 graduates were celebrated recently at the Adult Scholarship Celebration on May 19th.
“Scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future of our communities,” said Andrea Gerhard, HICF Director of Scholarships & Grants. “These opportunities help reduce financial barriers while encouraging students and adult learners to pursue careers, training, and educational experiences that strengthen both their own futures and the vitality of our region.”
The Foundation’s online scholarship portal was open from January 1 through March 1, 2026, providing graduating high school seniors access to 35 scholarship opportunities through a single application process, several with the possibility of multiple awards per year. Collectively, HICF received nearly 800 applications across all scholarship opportunities.
In addition to the scholarships administered through the online portal, HICF also facilitates seven school-selected scholarship funds, resulting in an additional 12 scholarship awards selected directly by partnering schools and committees.
A vital part of the scholarship process is the community collaboration behind it. This year, 80 volunteer evaluators from across Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt Counties participated in the scholarship review process, carefully evaluating applications and helping steward donor intent through thoughtful selection practices.
“Our scholarship program is only possible because of the generosity of our donors and the dedication of community volunteers who invest their time and expertise into this process,” said Gerhard. “Together, we are creating pathways for students and adult learners to pursue meaningful educational and career opportunities close to home and beyond.”
HICF scholarships support a wide range of educational goals, including traditional college degrees, technical certifications, skilled trades, apprenticeships, healthcare careers, and workforce development pathways. The Foundation remains committed to expanding access to education and supporting the evolving needs of local students, families, and employers.
Since its founding, Heart of Illinois Community Foundation has connected donors with opportunities to strengthen communities through grants, scholarships, and charitable giving initiatives that support long-term impact throughout central Illinois.
