(EFFINGHAM, Illinois – February 28, 2025) Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Nonprofit Executive Round Table grant opportunity. A total of $5,000 has been awarded to two libraries in the region.
The Charleston Carnegie Public Library has received a grant of $3,240 to assist with transportation needs in Coles County. This funding will be used to purchase 300 Dial-a-Ride tokens monthly for a year, addressing the issue of 8.5% of adults in the area lacking personal vehicles. The Coles County Council on Aging provides these tokens at a discounted rate of 10%.
The Effingham Public Library has been awarded $1,740 to support their Safe Sitter course for tweens. This course teaches safety, childcare basics, first aid, and life skills. The grant will cover the costs of a certified nurse instructor and materials, ensuring the program’s quality. Each class costs $633 and serves approximately 15 tweens.
The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation proudly presented the “Nonprofit Executive Round Table,” a dynamic platform designed to foster the growth and sustainability of nonprofit organizations in East Central Illinois. Held from August 2024 through February 2025, this initiative brought together newly appointed and long-standing Executive Directors, providing them with essential support, training, and collective problem-solving opportunities. Through engaging workshop-style sessions led by area experts, participants gained valuable insights and skills, ensuring the stability and longevity of their organizations. This collaborative effort underscores the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector in the region.
Attendees Pictured: L – R Alex Pleasant, CEO/President Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation; Chris Houchens, Executive Director, Charleston Carnegie Public Library; Amanda McCay, Executive Director, Effingham Public Library; Todd Foster, Executive Director, Matthew 25; Libby Moeller, Deputy Director, CASA for Kids; Taneya Higginbotham, Executive Director, The RealiTea Project; Kristen Bertrand, Program Officer, Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation; Tammy Meinhart, Executive Director, The Study Shoppe; Meghan Rewers, Executive Director, Crisis Pregnancy Center of Effingham; Alex Benishek, President, Mattoon in Motion.
Attendees not present for the photo: Debby Danner, Executive Director, Oblong Children’s Christian Home; Brady Hall, Development Director, Oblong Children’s Christian Home; Bill Passalacqua, Executive Director, Poss Music Works; Jennifer Keller, Executive Director, Coles County United Way; Stacey Rios, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Illinois.
For more information, visit www.southeasternillinois.org or call 217.342.4988.
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Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation was established in 2009 because of a merger between the Effingham County Community Foundation (est. 1999) and the Mattoon Area Community Foundation (est. 1980). Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managing permanent and non-permanent assets for the long-term benefit of communities in southeastern Illinois.