Our Team
Natalie Beck
Position: CEO
Phone: 217.429.3000
E-mail: nbeck@heartofillinois.org
“I am continually inspired by the people who believe in the power of philanthropy and who generously devote their time, energy, and resources to strengthening our communities. Their commitment reminds me every day why this work matters, and I am grateful for the privilege of helping turn that generosity into lasting impact across our region.”
Natalie Beck serves as CEO of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF), where she provides vision and leadership in shaping the Foundation’s role as a civic leader, philanthropic partner, and trusted charitable giving vehicle for the region.
With a background in philanthropy, nonprofit administration, and public policy advocacy, Natalie has spent more than 25 years working to strengthen communities through strategic philanthropy. Since taking the helm at HICF, she has championed efforts to increase local giving and believes strongly in philanthropy’s ability to provide “innovation capital” that sparks new ideas and leverages partnerships to address community challenges. Under her leadership, HICF has grown to become one of the six largest community foundations in Illinois based on total giving and assets.
Natalie believes communities are strongest when every resident can fully participate in the region’s opportunities. Her vision launched HICF’s adult scholarship initiative, which now awards more than $100,000 annually to adult and nontraditional students seeking to advance their education and careers.
In 2023, Natalie completed the twelve-week Equitable Community Change Certificate Program at Cornell University and participated in the Council on Foundations Bridging Differences Cohort. She previously served on the boards of the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations and Forefront, a statewide association representing both grantmakers and nonprofits.
Natalie is an Illinois native and graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master of Science. She holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation from The American College of Financial Services and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
She currently serves locally on the boards of Decatur Memorial Hospital, the Decatur African-American Cultural and Genealogical Society Museum, and the Decatur Area Arts Council. Natalie lives in Decatur with her husband, Matt, and together they have three married daughters and eleven grandchildren.
