History, Vision and Statement of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our Vision

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

CFCI Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois is dedicated to maintaining, advocating, practicing, and accounting for policies and actions aimed at achieving cultural equity* within the organization, amongst its donors and grant recipients, and throughout the communities it serves.

Note: *Cultural Equity embodies the values, policies, and practices aimed at ensuring equity for people historically underrepresented based on (but not limited to) race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, geography, or religion.

History of the Foundation

Established in 1985, the Community Foundation of Central Illinois was brought to life by a group of community-minded citizens excited to leverage their generous donations to make lasting change in our community.

From the start, CFCI has focused on building permanent endowments as charitable capital to serve the needs of central Illinois. Over the years, we have contributed over $25,000,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations making a real impact in our community and more than $80,000,000 through Depository Fund contributions. Our high professional standards in the investment and management of funds entrusted to CFCI is recognized and accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations – the highest standard for philanthropic excellence.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois was created to serve donors with diverse interests at various levels of charitable giving. With extensive knowledge of the community, we link our donors with charitable agencies with the mission and vision that align with their own objectives and philanthropic desires. We also offer maximum flexibility in terms of assets that can be used to create a fund and options for the use of donors’ gifts.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois…where your charitable gift lasts forever.

Click here to view “20 Years of Giving – A History of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois” by Barbara Mantz Drake.

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