The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation

This week, HICF COO, Missy Batman, attended the Illinois Manufacturers' Association Women Maker Series: The Power of Being a Woman Maker at TCCI Manufacturing. Immediate Past President of the HICF Board of Trustees, Kara Demirjian-Huss, hosted the event that spotlights female leaders at the forefront of Illinois’ most dynamic and fast-growing sectors that are shaping the future of manufacturing. State and local officials presented on the programs and policies impacting our region and state followed by a panel discussion with regional female leaders who are empowering the next generation of women makers. The HICF is grateful to be a part of a strong community that is dedicated to building a thriving community for all.

Planned giving is a thoughtful intention to make a difference, in a meaningful way to donors. Last week, we celebrated the difference Dell and Evelyn Carroll’s generosity has made for Meridian High School students who are able to attend Richland Community College with full tuition #scholarships. The Carroll scholarship, endowed at the HICF, has surpassed awarding $1 million in scholarships. Thank you to the MHS Hawks for honoring the Carroll family at halftime.

Are you an adult with dreams of pursuing a degree or vocational program? The HICF Adult Scholarship Portal is now OPEN for residents of Macon, Piatt or Moultrie counties. Applications are being accepted for Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie County adult/nontraditional students who are 22 or older and are seeking to complete college degrees or training at any accredited college/university nationwide (in-person or online). Current students planning to continue their education by pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD beginning in Spring semester 2025 are also eligible. The awards range up to $2,500.

Last week, we hosted our professional advisors and donors for dinner and conversation with Christopher Hoyt. Christopher led a great conversation on tax smart charitable giving strategies and provided a preview on what’s to come with Illinois Gives. We are grateful to our local team of advisors and attorneys who are committed to growing philanthropy in our community!

In August, donor giving, and the power of endowment, allowed us to grant a total of $642,486 to 81 organizations. Our year to date giving total is $5,436,000.57 ?? : Young Leaders in Action volunteering at the JumpStart Back-to-School clinic

Finding your voice is about having the confidence to know you matter. A couple weeks back, we celebrated the voices of our community, and they all matter. Only by speaking out can we come together and create lasting change. We are still reeling with the joy and inspiration that emulated from our 20th Annual Do Something Great Awards. We continue to celebrate the 9 award recipients and all those who have been honored throughout the years. Thank you for lifting your voice and helping others through volunteering, philanthropy and advocacy. Isaiah Bradford Photography

The HICF is honored to be the home of the Ketenbrink Community Fund which supports emergency needs in Macon County. Earlier this week, members of our HICF Board of Trustees and staff presented a $35,000 grant to the Decatur Police Department for cyber/cellular technology needs. HICF board chair Kris Lutt, board treasurer Duane Noland, and trustees Jill Reedy and Matt Samuels presented the funding to Chief Shane Brandel, Lieutenant Scott Rosenbery and Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe.

Help us welcome Grant Wade to the HICF team! Grant is our new Philanthropic Advisor for Moultrie County. In this role, Grant is responsible for leading outreach in Moultrie County, working to match local needs to philanthropic resources. Grant comes to the HICF with more than 13 years of experience in various service roles within the Moultrie County community holding positions such as Commissioner on the City Council, President of the Sullivan Community Education Foundation, President of Sullivan Youth Rec League Sports, and Board Member for Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity and Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development. He currently serves as a Pastor of a vibrant church community in Sullivan. Grant grew up in Galesburg and graduated with a BA and MDiv from Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln. Just recently, Grant completed his Doctoral Degree (DMin) in Contextual Theology from Northern Seminary in Lisle. Grant lives in Sullivan with his wife, Erin, and their three children: Gavin, Emery, and Sawyer.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is pleased to announce two staff members were recently advanced to new positions within the organization. Chasity Casey, CAP? has been promoted to Senior Director of Finance and Operations. This promotion is in recognition of Chasity’s five year tenure at the HICF and a reflection of the professionalism and expertise with which she performs high-level accounting/financial responsibilities and fund management. The assets and types of charitable funds managed by the HICF have grown significantly during Chasity’s tenure. Since joining the HICF in 2019, Chasity has earned her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation and serves as our National Standards certification coordinator. Rachel Moran, MS, CFRE has been promoted to Director of Community Impact. This promotion is in recognition of Rachel’s outstanding project management and her responsiveness to the significant growth in our foundations discretionary grant programs. She is responsible for strategic leadership for all aspects of our community initiatives in Macon, Moultrie and Piatt Counties. She will continue to oversee the HICF’s discretionary grant making, marketing and serve as the liaison between the HICF and the nonprofit community. Since joining the HICF in 2022, Rachel has achieved her credentials as a Certified Fundraising Executive, the gold standard for fundraising professionals. She also earned her Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM) from The Fundraising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. HICF CEO Natalie Beck stated, “We are very excited to announce these staff promotions. Chasity and Rachel bring a high level of commitment, professionalism and experience that will only continue to enhance the mission and success of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation.”

Help us welcome Andrea Gerhard to the HICF team! Andrea is our new HICF Director of Scholarships & Grant Administration. In this role, Andrea is responsible for managing all aspects of the high school and adult scholarship programs, assisting with donor-advised grant processing and state/federal grant management. Andrea comes to the HICF with 23 years of prior experience in our higher education field, holding positions in student development at Carroll University, Bowling Green State University and Millikin University. Most recently, she served as the Director of Communications for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Carroll University and completed master’s coursework in College Student Personnel at Bowling Green State University. Andrea lives in Decatur with her husband, Clayton, and their four children, Jack, Ainsley, Henry and Sadie.