Community Connection
JULY 2021
CFCI Grant Opportunities
The following grant opportunities are open now.


All applications are due by Wednesday, September 1.
Grants Training Workshop

CFCI hosted a grants training workshop to highlight the recent changes made to our online competitive grant application and evaluation forms for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The workshop provided a general overview of changes to the forms, helpful tips on ways to successfully navigate our competitive grants process, and some insight into upcoming funding initiatives.


For questions regarding CFCI's grant process, please contact Sarah Fletcher at (309) 674-8730.
A Word From Our Board...
David Wiest, CFCI Board Member
How did you become involved with the Community Foundation of Central Illinois?
I began serving on a scholarship selection committee about ten years ago. The scholarship selection process was very rewarding and I was impressed that CFCI administered such a diverse range of scholarships for so many worthy students. In 2013, I joined the Emerging Philanthropists Fund and continue to be involved with the Fund today. I have had the pleasure of serving on the Advisory Council with many great young leaders and had the honor to chair the Fund for several years.

What do you like about your volunteer service with CFCI?
CFCI offers the opportunity to be involved with such a diverse range of organizations and charitable endeavors—both from a subject matter perspective and from a geographic perspective. I like that by volunteering with CFCI, I can play a small part in helping so many incredible causes in so many places in the greater Peoria area.

What should everyone know about CFCI?
Everyone should know that CFCI makes charitable giving easy. The incredible staff and the streamlined processes at CFCI mean that donors can spend less time worrying about administrative hassles and more time carrying out their charitable wishes. Everyone should also know that CFCI is a collaborative organization and strives to find common ground across charities. This helps foster an environment where local organizations work together to achieve a common goal.  

What are you looking forward to the most with CFCI in the next 5 years?
CFCI has grown so much in the last several years and what I am most excited about in the next 5 years is to see how it continues to grow and impact the community. I am excited for more people to learn about the amazing work CFCI already does, and I’m excited to see the new programs and causes CFCI will support.
Women's Fund of CFCI Closer to $1 Million Goal
The Women’s Fund of CFCI endowment is now over $750,000! This is such a tremendous accomplishment. The original goal for the Women’s Fund was finding 1,000 women to each donate $1,000 to create a million-dollar endowment. This level of giving helps create a legacy that will live on beyond all of us. The Women’s Fund welcomes gifts of any amount to help build the endowment. Once individuals contribute $1,000 or more over time, they are recognized as a Founding Member. 

Since its inception, the Women’s Fund has made 131 grants totaling more than $412,000 to support local nonprofits that strengthen families and communities by empowering women and girls. With a million-dollar endowment, the Women’s Fund would be able to grant over $40,000 each year to deserving programs for generations to come.
Caterpillar Employees and Retirees Can Now DOUBLE the Impact of Their Donation to CFCI
The Caterpillar Foundation recently announced that gifts to community foundations are now eligible for their Matching Gifts Program. Caterpillar employees and retirees who choose to donate to our operating fund or other endowment funds can apply for a 1:1 match from the Caterpillar Foundation by visiting www.caterpillar.com/matching-gifts and selecting the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Those who have donor-advised or Depository funds at CFCI and plan on donating to a specific charity can also apply for the match at www.caterpillar.com/matching-gifts. At the time of transferring funds from their donor-advised or Depository fund to an eligible charity, they can search and select that specific charitable organization and the match would go directly to them.

We have confirmed that this offer applies to prior donations made on or after January 1, 2021, so you can submit a matching gift request for any donation(s) you may have made earlier in the year. Gifts must be a tax-deductible, charitable contribution of $25 or more, and each Caterpillar participant may request an annual combined total maximum match of $10,000 each calendar year.

Please visit the Caterpillar Foundation website by clicking here for detailed instructions on how to submit your match request. The Community Foundation of Central Illinois greatly appreciates your support. By working together, we will continue to improve the quality of life throughout central Illinois.
National Philanthropy Day Award Nominations
Due July 30
Each year, the Central Illinois Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) honors donors, volunteers and fundraising executives whose gifts of time, expertise and resources contribute significantly to the success of the non-profit agencies and institutions they serve.

The Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, November 10, provides a unique opportunity to publicly express appreciation to those who do so much to enhance philanthropic support in our community. 

The deadline to nominate a deserving individual, group, corporation, organization or foundation for an award is July 30. Don't delay! Visit www.afpcentralillinois.org for more information.
We're proud of our accreditation with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®. This accreditation, signified by this Seal, indicates that the Community Foundation of Central Illinois meets the highest standards for philanthropic excellence. The 26 national standards establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere and indicates CFCI’s commitment to excellence and accountability. Learn more about the accreditation process at cfstandards.org.
3625 North Sheridan Road
Peoria, IL 61604
309-674-8730