Chamber Foundation
giving back.
The Chamber Foundation of Effingham County promotes education, social & civic awareness, and the strength in service organizations in Effingham County.
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donateChamber Foundation of Effingham County
The Chamber Foundation provides educational opportunities for youth and the workforce to build and strengthen personal and business capacity and foster a commitment to leadership and community development.
“I am very thankful that I was able to go through the application process for the Chamber Foundation Scholarship. The application questions really helped me to realize the great community we have and all the ways it supports us as young adults. During the interview process, I could tell that the interviewers cared about what I had to say. They were very interested in who I was and what I wanted for my future.
Receiving this scholarship has helped me continue my education at the University of Illinois as a Computer Engineer where I have been able to get involved in clubs and organizations that have similar ideals to the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce. I am currently involved in a consulting club that helps local and regional nonprofits strengthen their inner functions and outreach. Teaming up with organizations to help them get the most out of their operations fits very well into the mission of the Chamber. I would highly recommend applying for this scholarship opportunity!”
Bryson Wall
2019 Scholarship Recipient
Scholarship Program
The Chamber Community Scholarship Program provides $1,000 continuing education scholarships to area high school seniors and adults who are starting/continuing their secondary education. In addition to the Community Scholarship, The Jack Graham Scholarship was created in 2021 in honor of the late Jack Graham, a local entrepreneur. One $1,000 scholarship is awarded in Mr. Graham’s name to those going into healthcare, childcare, or a vocational trade.
Since its inception in 1996, the Chamber Community Scholarship Program has awarded $252,000 to 214 recipients.
The scholarship program is for Chamber members, their employees & family, or any resident of Effingham County. Preference will be given to those attending Illinois colleges.
The number of scholarships given is based on the amount of sponsorship contributions received. Click here to become a 2025 sponsor.
Click here to apply for a scholarship. You will be redirected to the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation to complete your application. The 2025 Scholarship application open date will be shared soon!
Chamber Foundation Board of Directors
President
Christopher Swing, President & COO, Vantage Surgical Solutions
Treasurer
Matt Cekander, CPA, Partner, Doehring, Winders & Co. LLP
Secretary
Travis Bushue, President, Bushue HR Inc.
Board Trustees:
Jay Buehnerkemper, Effingham Community President-Commercial Loan Officer, First Mid Bank & Trust
Lucinda Hart, CAE, MBA, IOM, President & CEO, Effingham County Chamber
"Empowering dreams through education, our Chamber Community Scholarship Program opens doors to a brighter future with $1,000 scholarships. In memory of local visionary Jack Graham, our Jack Graham Scholarship fuels aspirations in healthcare, childcare, and vocational trades. Together, we invest in the journey of knowledge and opportunity."
Lucinda Hart, CAE, MBA, IOM
Effingham County Chamber President & CEO
Support the Foundation
Help support the Chamber Foundation of Effingham County by making a donation.
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