Cultivating philanthropy to build better communities.
A $10 million grant to High Point University stands out in Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation’s recent giving, alongside a $5 million award to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a $3 million follow-up grant to High Point University. Those large gifts sit next to a broad local portfolio that includes schools, health organizations, water infrastructure, parks, and community funds across southeastern Illinois. The foundation’s work combines scholarship administration with place-based grantmaking, so it supports both students and local institutions. The foundation uses flexible support often marked as general operating or general support, and its recent awards show that pattern across higher education, community development, and public-serving organizations. In Illinois, the foundation has funded Effingham Cusd Unit 40, Heartland Human Services, El Shaddai Homes, and the Effingham Water Authority, showing attention to education, human services, housing, and civic infrastructure. It also makes repeated grants to some recipients over time, which suggests ongoing relationships rather than isolated awards. The overall picture is of a community foundation that administers scholarships while also directing substantial grants to organizations serving the region’s civic and social needs.
Education is a major part of the foundation’s work. Recent awards include $445,200 to Effingham Cusd Unit 40 and $125,000 to Sigel St Michael School, while its scholarship programs are administered through a common online application for students in the service area. Community infrastructure and local services also appear prominently. The foundation gave $1,255,486 to Mattoon Sports Complex Inc and $150,000 to Effingham Water Authority, with additional support for the same water authority in later grantmaking. Health and social services are another visible thread. Heartland Human Services received $188,000, and El Shaddai Homes received $178,745, both in general support. Arts funding appears as well through the Bill and Jacquelyn Jordan Anderson Fund for Visual Arts, which benefits the arts in Effingham County.
Typical grants are modest relative to the largest awards: the p25 size is $9,271, the median is $11,758, and the p75 is $30,347. The foundation’s recent profile includes both very large institutional grants and many smaller community awards, which is consistent with a community foundation that combines endowed funds, scholarship administration, and local discretionary giving. Recipients do reappear across years, including Mattoon Sports Complex Inc, The Cross Foundation, Buckeye Friends School, and Effingham Water Authority, indicating some ongoing funding relationships. The foundation is a mixed community foundation, and its scholarship programs accept unsolicited applications through a common online portal.
$4.7M
$74.3M
$6M
$8.1M
Most grants fall between $9K and $30K, with a median of $12K.
25th Percentile
$9K
Median
$12K
75th Percentile
$30K
ALEX PLEASANT
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Grantmaking is heavily concentrated in Illinois, with 80% of grants going to recipients in the foundation’s headquarters state. Recent Illinois recipients include Mattoon, Effingham, Newton, Sigel, Strasburg, Teutopolis, and Arthur. Outside Illinois, recent grants also went to High Point and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, plus Rochester, Minnesota, and Franklin, Tennessee. The top state by grant count is North Carolina, reflecting a small number of very large grants there.
The scholarship programs use a common online application. Students in the foundation’s service area can apply through the centralized Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation scholarships portal and may be matched to individual scholarships for which they qualify.
Its recent and active grantmaking covers education and scholarships, youth development, arts and culture, economic development, health and social services, community capacity building, and poverty relief. Named programs also include a peace and justice fund, a visual arts fund, and a rural teacher corps grant program.
Typical grants are relatively small: the 25th percentile is $9,271, the median is $11,758, and the 75th percentile is $30,347. The portfolio also includes much larger awards, especially in higher education and community infrastructure.
Most grants go to Illinois recipients, and 80% of grants are awarded in the headquarters state. Recent Illinois recipients include Mattoon, Effingham, Newton, Teutopolis, Sigel, Strasburg, and Arthur.
Yes. Several recipients appear more than once in the recent grants list, including Mattoon Sports Complex Inc, Effingham Water Authority, The Cross Foundation, and Buckeye Friends School. That pattern suggests repeated support for some organizations over multiple years.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Organizations must be a public charity with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; under certain circumstances, public entities such as school districts, municipalities, or unincorporated groups or associations may be considered.
Deadline: Year-round LOI review on a quarterly basis.
Who can apply: Organizations must be a public charity with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications from public entities such as school districts, municipalities, or unincorporated groups or associations may be considered. Organizations must operate or serve individuals within Jasper County and have a clear charitable purpose.
Deadline: Application Opens: 08/25/2026 - Deadline: 10/06/2026
Who can apply: Must be a K-5th grade classroom teacher in Effingham County, Illinois.
Deadline: Application Opens: 08/25/2026 - Deadline: 10/06/2026
Who can apply: Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, school districts, park districts, and recognized youth sports organizations serving youth ages 5-18 within the Mattoon community. Applicants must demonstrate sound financial management and may submit only one application during the grant cycle.
Deadline: Application Opens: 08/25/2026 - Deadline: 10/06/2026
Who can apply: Grants benefit the youth of Effingham County. Eligibility is administered through the Foundation's grant portal.
Deadline: Application Opens: 08/25/2026 - Deadline: 10/06/2026
Who can apply: Awards grants to organizations in Coles County for programs and activities that encourage mutual trust and promote cross-cultural understanding on matters of social justice, human rights, religious tolerance, and environmental protection. Only one application per grant cycle.
Deadline: Application Opens: 08/25/2026 - Deadline: 10/06/2026
Who can apply: Grants benefit the arts in Effingham County. Eligibility is administered through the Foundation's grant portal.
Deadline: Application Opens: 08/25/2026 - Deadline: 10/06/2026
Who can apply: Grants support organizations that contribute to building workforce skills, encouraging entrepreneurship, enhancing the environment for business development, or strengthening organizational capacity in Coles County.
Deadline: Application Opens: 08/25/2026 - Deadline: 10/06/2026
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY | HIGH POINT, NC | $3,000,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MATTOON SPORTS COMPLEX INC | MATTOON, IL | $261,354 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY | HIGH POINT, NC | $117,462 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CHARITY GLOBAL INC | FRANKLIN, TN | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ST ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH | EFFINGHAM, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE CROSS FOUNDATION | EFFINGHAM, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ARTHUR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | ARTHUR, IL | $99,074 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CITY OF NEWTON ILLINOIS | NEWTON, IL | $90,608 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BUCKEYE FRIENDS SCHOOL | EFFINGHAM, IL | $75,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EFFINGHAM CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER | EFFINGHAM, IL | $70,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EFFINGHAM WATER AUTHORITY | EFFINGHAM, IL | $60,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| TEUTOPOLIS PARK DISTRICT | TEUTOPOLIS, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EFFINGHAM CUSD UNIT 40 | EFFINGHAM, IL | $34,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ILLINOIS RAILROAD MUSEUM | UNION, IL | $31,130 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| FOX RIVER TROLLEY MUSEUM | SOUTH ELGIN, IL | $31,130 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EFFINGHAM COUNTY CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM ASSOCIATION INC | EFFINGHAM, IL | $31,130 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ADVENT HEALTH FOUNDATION INC | ORLANDO, FL | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ST ANTHONY EDUCATIONAL TRUST | EFFINGHAM, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BUCKEYE FRIENDS SCHOOL | EFFINGHAM, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CRAWFORD COUNTY RECREATION CENTER | ROBINSON, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EL SHADDAI HOMES | EFFINGHAM, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EFFINGHAM WATER AUTHORITY | EFFINGHAM, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| COLES COUNTY COUNCILE ON AGING INC | CHARLESTON, IL | $22,420 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE STUDY SHOPPE INC | EFFINGHAM, IL | $17,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | MATTOON, IL | $17,101 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BUCKEYE FRIENDS SCHOOL | EFFINGHAM, IL | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| FAMILY LIFE CENTER | EFFINGHAM, IL | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CRISIS NURSERY OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY | EFFINGHAM, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MATTOON SPORTS COMPLEX INC | MATTOON, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BUCKEYE FRIENDS SCHOOL | EFFINGHAM, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EFFINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY | EFFINGHAM, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EFFINGHAM PARK DISTRICT | EFFINGHAM, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NEWTON FOOTBALL | NEWTON, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ST ANTHONY EDUCATIONAL TRUST | EFFINGHAM, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| RIDE TO WORK MINISTRY NONPROFIT INC | SENECA, SC | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NEW COVENANT ACADEMY | SPRINGFIELD, MO | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MATTOON COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 | MATTOON, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| LINCOLN TRAIL COLLEGE FOUNDATION | ROBINSON, IL | $9,017 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BUCKEYE FRIENDS SCHOOL | EFFINGHAM, IL | $8,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HUTSONVILLE PARK DISTRICT | HUTSONVILLE, IL | $8,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| PALESTINE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | PALESTINE, IL | $8,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| FRIENDS OF CAMP WASSATOGA | EFFINGHAM, IL | $8,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| VILLAGE OF OBLONG | OBLONG, IL | $8,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| VILLAGE OF FLAT ROCK | FLAT ROCK, IL | $8,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT | EFFINGHAM, IL | $7,900 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CASA OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY | EFFINGHAM, IL | $7,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EFFINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY | EFFINGHAM, IL | $7,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE REALITEA PROJECT INC | TOLEDO, IL | $7,430 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| FISH CHIRSTMAS STORE | EFFINGHAM, IL | $7,375 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EFFINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY | EFFINGHAM, IL | $7,375 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
MATTOON SPORTS COMPLEX INC
$261,354GENERAL SUPPORT
ST ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
THE CROSS FOUNDATION
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
ARTHUR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
$99,074GENERAL SUPPORT
CITY OF NEWTON ILLINOIS
$90,608GENERAL SUPPORT
BUCKEYE FRIENDS SCHOOL
$75,000GENERAL SUPPORT
EFFINGHAM CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
$70,000GENERAL SUPPORT
EFFINGHAM WATER AUTHORITY
$60,000GENERAL SUPPORT
TEUTOPOLIS PARK DISTRICT
$50,000GENERAL SUPPORT
EFFINGHAM CUSD UNIT 40
$34,000GENERAL SUPPORT
FOX RIVER TROLLEY MUSEUM
$31,130GENERAL SUPPORT
EFFINGHAM COUNTY CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM ASSOCIATION INC
$31,130GENERAL SUPPORT
ST ANTHONY EDUCATIONAL TRUST
$25,000GENERAL SUPPORT
BUCKEYE FRIENDS SCHOOL
$25,000GENERAL SUPPORT
CRAWFORD COUNTY RECREATION CENTER
$25,000GENERAL SUPPORT
EL SHADDAI HOMES
$25,000GENERAL SUPPORT
EFFINGHAM WATER AUTHORITY
$25,000GENERAL SUPPORT
COLES COUNTY COUNCILE ON AGING INC
$22,420GENERAL SUPPORT
THE STUDY SHOPPE INC
$17,500GENERAL SUPPORT
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$17,101GENERAL SUPPORT
BUCKEYE FRIENDS SCHOOL
$15,000GENERAL SUPPORT
FAMILY LIFE CENTER
$15,000GENERAL SUPPORT
CRISIS NURSERY OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
MATTOON SPORTS COMPLEX INC
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
BUCKEYE FRIENDS SCHOOL
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
EFFINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
EFFINGHAM PARK DISTRICT
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
NEWTON FOOTBALL
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
ST ANTHONY EDUCATIONAL TRUST
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
RIDE TO WORK MINISTRY NONPROFIT INC
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
NEW COVENANT ACADEMY
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
MATTOON COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 2
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
LINCOLN TRAIL COLLEGE FOUNDATION
$9,017GENERAL SUPPORT
BUCKEYE FRIENDS SCHOOL
$8,000GENERAL SUPPORT
HUTSONVILLE PARK DISTRICT
$8,000GENERAL SUPPORT
PALESTINE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
$8,000GENERAL SUPPORT
FRIENDS OF CAMP WASSATOGA
$8,000GENERAL SUPPORT
VILLAGE OF OBLONG
$8,000GENERAL SUPPORT
VILLAGE OF FLAT ROCK
$8,000GENERAL SUPPORT
FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
$7,900GENERAL SUPPORT
CASA OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY
$7,500GENERAL SUPPORT
EFFINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
$7,500GENERAL SUPPORT
THE REALITEA PROJECT INC
$7,430GENERAL SUPPORT
FISH CHIRSTMAS STORE
$7,375GENERAL SUPPORT
EFFINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
$7,375GENERAL SUPPORT