The Community Foundation of Central Illinois Awards $5.1 Million in Charitable Support during the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year.

Peoria, IL- The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) is pleased to announce that it awarded over $5.1 million in grants and scholarships to support charitable causes during the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

Mark Roberts, CFCI’s CEO, stated “at a time when every charitable dollar is critically important, the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is pleased to be able to positively impact the quality of life in our community. Above all else, we are grateful to our generous fund holders and other donors who work with CFCI to accomplish their philanthropic goals.”

The $5.1 million figure includes over $1.5 million granted from CFCI’s unrestricted, field of interest, and donor-advised funds, as well as more than $3.5 million distributed from The Depository. The Depository, commonly described as a “charitable checking account”, enables donors to easily make charitable gifts by donating appreciated securities.

The mission of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is to serve as a philanthropic resource committed to Connecting People Who Care with Causes That Matter. Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet the challenges of changing times. The role of the foundation is to invest and administers these funds through community granting programs and individual or private giving.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois is overseen by a volunteer board of leading citizens and operated by professionals with expertise in identifying community needs and grantmaking.

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Editor’s Note: The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) has served Central Illinois for over 22 years. Formed in 1988 as the Peoria Area Community Foundation, CFCI supports positive initiatives and innovative approaches to addressing the changing needs of our region.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois’ Mission:
To serve as a philanthropic resource committed to Connecting People Who Care with Causes That Matter.

www.communityfoundationci.org

Women's Fund March 2010 First Tuesdays

To Be Held at Komen for the Cure Office in Peoria

The next First Tuesdays will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, from 5 to 7 pm at Komen for the Cure Office (4700 North University Street, Peoria, IL).

The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois invites area women to continue to celebrate a new year at their March First Tuesday’s event, a monthly networking opportunity. Join us and meet other dynamic women who share your interest in funding projects that promote leadership and empowerment for women and girls. Become part of a national movement towards Women’s Philanthropy.

To automatically receive First Tuesdays’ invitations, call The Women's Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Illinois at 309 674-8730 or email jordan@communityfoundationci.org and ask to receive the ‘E-vite’, an online invitation, for First Tuesdays.

Appetizers and beverages will be served and door prizes awarded. Donations will be accepted to further the work of the Women’s Fund.
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Contact: Jordan Ticaric, Graduate Intern: Community Foundation of Central Illinois: 674-8730 or jordan@communityfoundationci.org

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois
331 Fulton Street, Ste 310, Peoria, IL 61602

Media Contact:
Mark Roberts
309-674-8730
mark@communityfoundationci.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 21, 2010

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois Encourages Donor Contributions for Earthquake Relief Efforts in Haiti

Peoria, IL- The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) will work with current and new donors dedicated to funding relief efforts in Haiti after last week’s devastating earthquake.

Mark Roberts, CFCI’s CEO, stated “the Community Foundation of Central Illinois encourages new and current fund holders to donate to the earthquake relief effort of their choice. In an effort to assist our fund holders, CFCI has temporarily waived the 60-day waiting period for new Depository contributions that are intended for distribution to Haiti disaster relief.”

CFCI also invites current donor-advised fund holders to contact the Foundation to recommend a grant in support of this important effort. CFCI will work diligently to provide rapid distribution of charitable support to those in need. All distributions must be made to qualified 501(c) 3 organizations.

New and existing donors are encouraged to contact the Community Foundation of Central Illinois at 309-674-8730 for more information or to make their contribution to Haiti’s relief efforts.

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The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) has served Central Illinois for over 21 years. Formed in 1988 as the Peoria Area Community Foundation, CFCI supports positive initiatives and innovative approaches to addressing the changing needs of our region.

Our purpose is to strengthen our community through engaged grant making and strategic partnerships with other organizations. Our giving is focused on arts and culture, education, health and human services and community development.

www.communityfoundationci.org

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois:
”Connecting people who care with causes that matter”.