The History of the Foundation
Humble Beginnings
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.
Endowment Excellence
From the start, CFCI has focused on building permanent endowments as charitable capital to serve the needs of central Illinois. 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.
Lasting Impact
CFCI 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.
CFCI’s Statement of Diversity, Equity, & 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.
By the numbers
…and counting!
The Power of Endowment
Since its inception, the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) has focused on building permanent endowments to provide charitable capital for addressing the evolving needs of our community. Over the years, we have granted more than $145,000,000 to nonprofit organizations, making a real impact in central Illinois. Our commitment to high professional standards in fund investment and management is recognized and accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, ensuring that we uphold the highest level of philanthropic excellence and continue to foster meaningful, lasting change in the region.
The Community Foundation of Central Illinois, Where Your Charitable Gifts Last Forever.
“20 Years of Giving – A History of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois” by Barbara Mantz Drake, a comprehensive account of the foundation’s first two decades of impactful philanthropy in the central Illinois region. This detailed history explores how the foundation was established, its growth over the years, and the positive changes it has brought to the community. Through thoughtful narration, Drake highlights the foundation’s key initiatives, significant milestones, and the inspiring stories of donors, recipients, and local leaders who have shaped its success. This work not only reflects on past achievements but also offers insights into how the Community Foundation of Central Illinois continues to serve as a catalyst for lasting change.