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Galesburg Community Foundation develops andencourages the philanthropic efforts of people and organizations for a healthy region.

Prioritizing Flexibility in Philanthropy Since our establishment two decades ago, Galesburg Community Foundation has grown to become a vital force for good by igniting transformational change and empowering individuals and organizations to make a lasting difference in our region.

building endowments for their benefit, we give local nonprofits the opportunity to grow their missions. And for our region, flexibility means we’re going to adapt swiftly to the emerging needs of the people we serve, capitalize on new opportunities, and challenge the norm by being creative in finding solutions. By being open to modifying grantmaking strategies, funding priorities, and partnership approaches, we are catalyzing change in the region.

We do this by prioritizing flexibility in philanthropy. This means that donors can gift virtually anything toward the causes they love. From inherited art to real estate, from stocks to grain—these and so much more can be gifted to the Community Foundation to create a legacy that matches your philanthropic goals. Through endowments, these gifts stay in our region forever, creating positive change and supporting the causes that matter most to you and your neighbors.

In the pages that follow, you will see the ingrained generosity that flows through our region. The people we know are quick to help, and they know that more can be done when it’s done together. It’s part of our culture, and the formalized philanthropy made possible by Galesburg Community Foundation is an extension of that culture.

For nonprofits, flexibility means we focus on what we do best so they can focus on what they do best. These organizations know our community, and they see the challenges and opportunities. We’re here to make their work as efficient and effective as possible by partnering with them for the long term and giving them the space to do their work and the resources they need. By creating grant opportunities, offering our expertise, and

Together with our board and staff, we thank you for all you have helped us accomplish in the last twenty years. Joshua Gibb President & CEO Galesburg Community Foundation

20 YEARS OF COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PHILANTHROPY

2004

2009

On July 1, 2004, Galesburg Cottage Hospital becomes a for-profit medical facility and can no longer retain its charitable assets. Leadership strongly believes that the money invested in the hospital’s foundation should stay local forever, creating Galesburg Community Foundation.

Staff and board at the Community Foundation conduct the first strategic planning process. The organization focuses on four pillars that define a healthy community: arts, education, physical activity, and health.

Galesburg Community Foundation, with support from the Kleine Family Foundation Fund, creates the Certificate of Nonprofit Governance to help organizations build their capacity.

Galesburg Community Foundation relocates to downtown Galesburg. This move greatly increases awareness and provides workspace for staff as well as meeting space for nonprofits in the region.

2010

2012

More than $18 million – awarded to nonprofits in last 20 years

2013

2015

Galesburg Community Foundation introduces the Bickerdyke Society, which recognizes individuals who choose to extend their charitable giving beyond their lifetime by including any fund at the Community Foundation in their estate plans.

A match grant by the Community Foundation prompts communities to create permanent sources of financial support through endowments. Knoxville is the first to establish a Community Fund in Knox County in 2015, followed by Williamsfield in 2021. Galesburg Community Foundation offers an endowment match to nonprofits in the region that establish a $10,000 fund with the Community Foundation. Twenty nonprofits create endowments to support capacity while giving their donors a place to support their missions forever. The Community Foundation is a founding partner of the Rural Schools Collaborative, a national organization focused on building strategies across the country to attract and retain rural teachers.

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charitable funds

In response to a worldwide pandemic, a partnership with the Community Foundation, G.L. Vitale Family Foundation, Twomey Foundation, McClean Family Endowment Fund, United Way of Greater Warren County, and United Way of Knox County establish a Rapid Response Fund to support local nonprofits directly responding to emergencies or disasters impacting the communities and people of the region during the pandemic.

20 YEARS OF COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PHILANTHROPY

$50.1 million – total assets

2017

2018

2019

Galesburg Community Foundation is one of nine rural community foundations across the country chosen to participate in the Aspen Institute Red Pin Group to learn about opportunities to use the full range of assets to share prosperity more broadly in the region. The opportunity leads the Community Foundation to incorporate Mission Impact Investments in our work.

The annual competitive grant cycle is revamped to become The Turnout. Grants for The Turnout come from contributions from community donors who hold Donor Advised Funds, along with the Community Foundation’s unrestricted Impact Fund and Field of Interest Funds. Nonprofits receive full funding for accepted proposals.

The Twomey Foundation and United Way of Greater Warren County partner with Galesburg Community Foundation to form the Warren County Community Fund Initiative. This partnership leads to the establishment of Community Funds in Roseville in 2020, Alexis in 2021, and Monmouth in 2023.

2020

Galesburg Community Foundation completes its largest Mission Impact Investment, the Galesburg Branch of River Bend Food Bank. The Community Foundation purchased and renovated the property and leases the building to the River Bend Food Bank, creating a steady, predictable financial return used by the Community Foundation for grantmaking.

2021

2022

2024

After observing how organizations began collaborating in new ways in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Galesburg Community Foundation forms the Hunger Collaborative, bringing leaders from 30 local nonprofits both directly and indirectly involved in food assistance together to develop strategies to reduce hunger by addressing its root causes.

Galesburg Community Foundation accepts its largest estate gift. Galesburg Community Foundation expands the region it serves by providing support to nonprofits in Henderson County.

IMPACT FUND Our communities are forever changing. Providing our region with resources to adapt and respond is vital to its success. That’s why gifts to the Galesburg Community Foundation Impact Fund are powerful—they provide flexibility that enables us to seize opportunities to meet the demands and challenges of today’s rapidly changing environment. The Impact Fund lets everyone support immediate, ongoing, and emerging community needs. At Galesburg Community Foundation, you can give to the existing Impact Fund, or you can create your own named unrestricted Impact Fund. Whichever way you choose to give, by allowing Galesburg Community Foundation to address the most pressing issues in our communities, you can be assured your gift will be maximized for impact.

“For many years, we gave to charities a bit here and a bit there. But we wanted to see the money do the most good that it possibly could. That’s when we started giving to the Impact Fund. Galesburg Community Foundation is highly respected and very well managed, and we know that they will steward our gifts well.”

David & Brenda Bliss both believe strongly in giving back to the community that raised them. 7

5 REASONS TO GIVE TO THE IMPACT FUND Responsiveness

Local Impact

The Impact Fund gives Galesburg Community Foundation the flexibility to respond quickly to emerging needs and unforeseen challenges. This flexibility allows us to allocate resources where they are most urgently needed, addressing changing circumstances and priorities within our region.

The Impact Fund supports a broad range of community projects and initiatives. By contributing to the unrestricted fund, you can have a significant and widespread impact on education, healthcare, arts, social services, and more.

Capacity Building

Collaboration and Innovation

The Impact Fund is used to support the long-term health and capacity of local nonprofits and community organizations. This support can help these organizations strengthen their infrastructure, build sustainability, and enhance their ability to serve the community effectively.

The Impact Fund enables the Community Foundation to foster collaborative efforts among organizations and encourage innovative solutions to community challenges.

Sustainability and Endowment Growth Contributions to the Impact Fund build the Community Foundation’s endowment, allowing us to continue supporting the community for generations. This long-term perspective helps create a lasting legacy of support for the region.

“I don’t have my ear to the ground of the community like the Community Foundation does, so it made the most sense to make an unrestricted gift to the Impact Fund. That way, the Community Foundation can determine the best way to use resources.”

Scott Barash grew up in Galesburg but hasn’t lived in the region for more than 35 years. When his father passed away, Scott donated the building that housed his father’s law practice to Galesburg Community Foundation. The Community Foundation used the funds from the sale of the building to endow the Barash Family Fund in honor of Scott’s father Barry, uncle Tony, and grandfather Burrel Barash. 9

COMMUNITY TREASURES Our community thrives because of the generosity of individuals and families, each contributing in their own unique way. Community Treasures is an initiative of Galesburg Community Foundation located at 444 East Main Street in Galesburg. Thanks to donations from the community, more than 55,000 items were sold at the thrift shop in the past year to support the Community Foundation’s Impact Fund. Community Treasures also provides transitional learning opportunities for high school, Bridgeway, and Thrive Community Services clients. These opportunities not only teach retail and soft skills, but give volunteers the confidence they need to pursue job opportunities in the community.

“I like that the money coming into the shop stays local to help support nonprofit organizations. When I volunteer, I feel I am giving back to the community.”

Cheryl McKinnon has been a volunteer cashier at Community Treasures for 15 years. She enjoys getting to meet people and share their joy when they find what they’re looking for at a bargain price. 11

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS Creating a Donor Advised Fund is a simple and highly personal approach to giving. It allows a person or a family to remain actively involved in charitable giving. You recommend the organizations or causes you want to support, and gifts are distributed by Galesburg Community Foundation on your behalf. Establishing a Donor Advised Fund is a great way to stay actively involved in philanthropy.

Five reasons to establish a Donor Advised Fund Community Impact.

Simplicity.

For Mike Robson, giving to a Donor Advised fund is a way to support a wide range of charitable causes and encourage others through one’s own example of giving. “I believe we just have to show people what we are willing to do, and others will ask themselves what they can do as well.”

Mark and Celia Godsil like how their Donor Advised Fund has streamlined the management of their charitable giving. “We try to support a lot of different things at different levels and we used to have to track all of that for our accountant,” says Mark. “Now, every contribution we make goes through the Community Foundation, and they keep track of it all. It’s wonderful!”

Flexibility.

Possibility.

For Chris and Lindsay Bayer, their Donor Advised Fund provides flexibility in timing charitable contributions. “Our Donor Advised Fund allows us to contribute to one source, the Community Foundation. We’re then able to select nonprofits we want to grant money toward when we’re ready,” says Chris.

Harrel and Judy Timmons like knowing that they have funds ready when unanticipated opportunities arise. “If someone comes up with a project that I think looks worthwhile and I want to support, we have funds ready,” says Harrel. “I can just let the Community Foundation know what we want to do and they take care of it.”

Connection. Jane Cavins’ family has deep roots in Henderson County, but she spends half the year in another area of the country. “It can be difficult for me to stay in touch with what’s happening in the region. The Community Foundation made it easy for me to set up a Donor Advised Fund, identify areas of need, and connect with and support groups focused on addressing those needs.”

“There are so many nonprofits in the community.

Through The Turnout, I learn about charities I didn’t know existed and the work they do for the community. Then, once I choose who to support, it’s easy to recommend a grant through my Donor Advised Fund. It’s just so efficient.”

In addition to The Turnout, Dr. Subbia Jagannathan supports nonprofits, both locally and nationally, through his Donor Advised Fund.

FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS Field of Interest Funds are endowed funds that allow you to connect with your passions. Your gift will support the many organizations that are working to improve and enhance the particular area that you care about most. Your gift will be a permanent source of community capital, helping to do good work forever. Field of Interest Funds allow people with common interests to give to a fund that will provide collective impact.

“Our Rural Collaboration Project unites forces to fuel progress. From farming to community needs, entrepreneurship to education, we’re on board.”

Karen Schieler Compeer Financial worked with Galesburg Community Foundation to focus on issues related to rural vitality including community planning and rural education.

“The community of Roseville helped shape me into who I am today, so even though I’m not there physically, it’s still my community. My roots are there.”

Rob Taflinger hasn’t lived in Roseville for decades, but he has fond memories of spending time on his grandparents’ homestead near Berwick, attending Roseville schools, and being part of a community where everyone knows and cares for each other. By giving to the Roseville Community Fund, he is honoring the community that shaped his life and ensuring his hometown not only survives but thrives for generations to come. 16

COMMUNITY FUNDS Community Funds are a way for people to create a permanent source of financial support for communities in the region. They are Field of Interest Funds developed by local residents, built through gifts from those who love their community, and guided by a local advisory board that is empowered to award grants that positively impact the town and residents.

How 5 Community Funds are supporting towns in our region Roseville Community Fund provided a grant for a new sound system and accessible bathrooms at the Roseville Community Center.

A grant from the Knoxville Community Fund helped build an accessible playground for local children.

A grant from the Williamsfield Community Fund was used to clean the community’s water tower.

Teacher mini grants from the Alexis Community Fund were used to support science education, purchase music instruments, and provide special education supplies.

The Monmouth Community Fund helped provide equipment that brings virtual reality experiences to the developmentally disabled.

DESIGNATED FUNDS We all have passions and interests. Designated Funds are endowments that allow you to make a lasting impact on a specific nonprofit.—whether in the field of education, healthcare, the arts, or any other area you’re passionate about. Charitable organizations with Designated Funds not only benefit from your gift but also from Galesburg Community Foundation’s expertise in fund management. We provide stewardship of investment so that organizations can focus on fulfilling their missions.

3 COUNTIES. 1 MISSION. Jamieson Community Center and FISH of Galesburg are two organizations with the same mission—to feed the hungry in our region. Jamieson serves Warren County and FISH serves Knox County. To meet the growing needs of the region, both organizations are working with Galesburg Community Foundation to build their endowments. An endowment is a permanent fund established to support the longterm needs of the nonprofit. The initial gift to create the fund and any future contribution to the fund are invested and a percentage of the value is distributed to the organization annually. When you create or give to an existing endowment fund, you’re providing nonprofits with a stable and reliable source of funding for their ongoing initiatives, which allows them to plan strategically, expand their reach, and implement innovative solutions. As their endowments grow, so does their capacity to adapt to evolving community needs and create lasting change.

“With our endowment fund, we ensure that the experiences our community has enjoyed at the Buchanan Center for the Arts will continue for the next generation.”

Kristyne Gilbert, Executive Director of the Buchanan Center for the Arts in Monmouth 20

41 Nonprofits with Endowed Funds at Galesburg Community Foundation Camp Big Sky

Knox County United Way Teen Court

Carl Sandburg Historic Site Association

Knox County YMCA

Central Congregational Church

Knox County YMCA Solutions

Choral Dynamics

Knox-Galesburg Symphony

Christmas in Action

Knox Prairie Community Kitchen

Crossroads Cultural Connections

Learning Connections of Galesburg

Discovery Depot Children’s Museum

National Stearman Foundation

FC Galesburg

Older Americans Knox, Inc. (OAKS)

FISH of Galesburg

Prairie Players Civic Theatre

Galesburg Civic Art Center

Rainbow Riders

Galesburg Community Chorus

ROWVA Public Schools Foundation

Galesburg Historical Society

Rural School Collaborative

Galesburg Rescue Mission

Storytime Garden

Galesburg Rotary Foundation

The Buchanan Center for the Arts

Galva Arts Council

The Orpheum Theatre

Grieg Memorial Library

Thrive Community Services

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish - Galesburg

United 304 Foundation

Immanuel Lutheran Church - Altona

United Way of Knox County

Jamieson Community Center

United Way of Greater Warren County

Knox County Agricultural Board & Fair Association

Warren County Historical Society

Knox County Humane Society

GRANTMAKING At Galesburg Community Foundation we engage in proactive grantmaking where we take on a leadership role, bringing together nonprofits and donors to create change around a specific issue. Our work with the Hunger Collaborative, where we are working to address the root causes of food insecurity in the region, is a great example of proactive grantmaking in action. We also support responsive grantmaking. This approach allows us to address immediate and emerging needs within the community. Our yearly competitive grant cycle, The Turnout, centers around responsive grantmaking where local nonprofits request what they need to make their important work happen. Whether they’re implementing a new initiative or need support for their general operations, Turnout grants have a positive impact throughout the region. Another part of our granting program is capacity-building grants. These grants help strengthen the infrastructure and effectiveness of local nonprofits. We’ve worked alongside several nonprofits to incentivize and encourage endowment building for their nonprofit organizations so they will have the resources to continue their missions for many years to come. Through these various granting mechanisms, Galesburg Community Foundation serves as a catalyst for positive change, promoting a thriving and resilient region.

“I don’t know if we would have been able to complete this project without the Community Foundation’s involvement, not just because of the match, but because of the way they fired up the community to get involved.”

Noelle Thompson is Director of the Galesburg Public Library. Galesburg Community Foundation offered a 2:1 match grant challenge as an incentive for individual donors to give to a campaign to build out the new library’s Community Room. More than $700,000 was donated through the challenge, unlocking the Community Foundation’s match and resulting in a total gift of more than $1 million.

THE TURNOUT Galesburg Community Foundation allocates resources strategically based on the evolving needs of the community through an annual grant cycle called, The Turnout. This flexibility enables us to respond to emerging issues, adapt to changing circumstances, and stay nimble in addressing critical community challenges. Nonprofit public charities, schools, churches, and government agencies serving residents of Knox, Warren, and Henderson counties apply for funding, which comes from Donor Advised Funds, the Impact Fund, and Field of Interest Funds. Over the past seven years, the Turnout has granted over $2 million to 235 organizations. The Turnout is a great way to learn about the work of local nonprofits and support the causes you care about.

4 Nonprofits that received Turnout Grants Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center in Monmouth supports safe, affordable therapeutic horseback riding and un-mounted horsemanship opportunities for children and adults with special needs.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of West Central Illinois (CASA) supports the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system by making sure their wishes are heard, services they need are being provided, and that they are placed in appropriate homes.

A new audio system for the International Stearman Community Center hangar is used during the week-long National Stearman Fly-In for presentations, briefings, banquets, and other events.

Warren Achievement Center enables achievers to function to the maximum extent possible by going into the community to experience art, volunteerism, culture, music, and other opportunities.

Jessica Ferguson is the Academic Success Liaison at the Teen Recharge Center in Monmouth. The Center received a Turnout Grant to fund the new liaison position, which was developed to improve academic outcomes for students and provide opportunities for enrichment activities in a safe and healthy environment.

“I help kids with their academic needs and provide social emotional support while also building connections with families and connecting them with resources. I help work with teens on the appropriate ways to reach out to their teachers and counselors, so that they can advocate for themselves and their needs. Once we have identified a struggle, I am able to help pair teens with tutors or other supports and services needed.” 25

HUNGER COLLABORATIVE Convened in 2021 by Galesburg Community Foundation, the Hunger Collaborative is made up of leaders from more than 30 local nonprofits both directly and indirectly involved in food assistance. Together, they are working to develop strategies to reduce hunger by addressing its root causes: access to and awareness of services; workforce and skills readiness; housing and homelessness; and transportation. The Hunger Collaborative is grantee led, meaning that nonprofits work together as a group to identify needs, and subsequent grants to fulfill those needs. The following six projects were a result of grants made through the Hunger Collaborative. The Turnout is a great way to learn about the work of local nonprofits and support the causes you care about.

6 ways that we’re combating the root causes of hunger Bridgeway has hired an Adult Systems of Care Coordinator who is both working directly with individuals and a network of nonprofits and governmental agencies to provide accessible services to individuals so they can thrive.

The Knox County Housing Authority is providing free access to transit services for all residents of public housing.

Regional Office of Education #33 hired additional instructors to help more students seeking their high school diploma equivalency.

Western Illinois Regional Council developed a multilingual service and resource database that allows those in need of services and organizations access to current information on resources available in our region.

Galesburg Area Vocational Center is helping students develop career and technical skills through classroom curriculum, events, and competitions through the SkillsUSA program.

The Knox County Housing Authority supported the 24/7 cooling shelter for the unhoused population. In addition to providing a safe place to sleep, the shelter aims to connect unhoused individuals with the resources they need to help them secure permanent housing.

“The free bus pass has improved my life in so many ways. I get out more, am in less pain since I no longer have to haul three to four heavy bags of groceries home at once, and my health is better because I’m able to see my doctor regularly and more easily fill my prescriptions.”

Amber Thurman is on a fixed income, which left little money every month to pay for transportation. She could only afford to get groceries every few weeks and carrying the extra bags aggravated the asthma she developed from long COVID. She often had to cancel doctor’s appointments or skip doses of her medications if she ran out of funds for the bus. Having free access to transportation that allows her to get where she needs to be to have her basic needs met has been, she says, lifesaving. 27

BICKERDYKE SOCIETY The Bickerdyke Society recognizes individuals who choose to extend their charitable giving beyond their lifetime by including Galesburg Community Foundation in their estate plans. Planned gifts are an investment in the place you call home and have a long-term, transformative impact on the people and nonprofits you choose to support. We all understand the drive to leave a legacy that creates opportunities for our children and grandchildren. But our communities and the causes we care about can also benefit from that same generosity. By arranging a planned gift during your lifetime, you can ensure the causes you care about today will be supported for generations to come.

“It’s very likely that the name Naomi Law won’t be remembered. And that’s okay. By contributing to the Galesburg Community Foundation, what I believe in will continue to make a difference.”

Naomi Law is an author, retired educator and administrator, and community volunteer. She is also a member of the Bickerdyke Society.

HOW INVOLVED DO YOU WANT TO BE WITH YOUR GIVING? At Galesburg Community Foundation, we offer four fund types. Each features a different level of involvement to meet your needs and interests. Any of these funds can be endowed or non-endowed, depending on your preference.

Donor Advised Funds

Designated Funds

Field of Interest Funds

Donor Advised Funds

Designated Funds

Field of Interest Funds

With a Donor Advised Fund, you play an active role in recommending grants to charitable organizations you’re passionate about. This hands-on approach allows you to direct your giving according to your personal values and priorities, while benefiting from our expertise in philanthropy management and local community needs assessment.

With a Designated Fund, you can make a lasting impact by supporting specific nonprofit organizations or causes that hold special significance to you. This option provides you with the assurance your philanthropic intentions will be honored in perpetuity.

A Field of Interest Fund offers a strategic avenue for impactful giving. You can focus your support on a particular area of interest allowing the Community Foundation to allocate grants to the most pressing needs and promising initiatives within that field. This approach empowers you to make a meaningful difference in areas where your passion intersects with community needs.

Impact Funds

Scholarships

Impact Fund

Scholarships

By creating a named Impact Fund, you are providing the Community Foundation with the flexibility to address emerging challenges and seize opportunities for positive change as they arise. By entrusting us with the discretion to allocate resources where they are most needed, you play a vital role in advancing our collective efforts to build a thriving and resilient community for all.

Scholarship funds offer an opportunity for you to help students across our region receive an education that will in turn, make our communities stronger. There are a variety of options for a scholarship fund. You could create the fund in honor or in memory of loved ones, or you can focus your support on students interested in pursuing an area of study that you are particularly passionate about.”

MAKING PHILANTHROPY PERSONAL At Galesburg Community Foundation, we’re fortunate to be able to meet and speak with many community members and donors each year. Through those conversations, we’ve learned that our neighbors are all different, and they are all passionate. Each person we speak with has that in common—they are passionate about something. Galesburg Community Foundation is here to support that passion, no matter what your something is. Do you want to support arts and music? Or promote downtown events and beautification? Do you want to see more opportunities for our young people? Maybe your passion is alleviating food insecurity for your neighbors. At Galesburg Community Foundation, we believe everyone can make an impact with their giving and we are here to support your passions and help you make a tangible, positive impact.You can get started today. Our staff of experts would love to start a conversation with you about your passion and develop a plan to make the most of your charitable contribution. The gift you make today will support the causes and organizations that make our region a great place to live forever. We are committed to the health of this region for generations to come. We hope you’ll join us!

246 E Main Street, Suite 101 / Galesburg, IL 61401 309.344.8898 / info@yourgcf.org