We're excited to announce Press Forward Springfield: an initiative to strengthen local news at an unprecedented level.
Starting in Springfield, IL; Alaska; Chicago; Minnesota; Philadelphia; and Wichita, a network of local chapters across the country is springing up as funders collaborate to bring together new donors and foundations to expand resources for local news.
The Community Foundation has set aside $1 million from the estate of Patrick Coburn to establish the Patrick F. Coburn Press Forward Endowment Fund to underpin the work that lies ahead. In addition, The John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation has committed to making a $1 million investment in the Fund to further support the work of Press Forward Springfield.
The Community Foundation has also engaged the American Journalism Project to help lead a planning effort in 2024 for how to build up the local news ecosystem and guide future grant making.
Read More about the Announcement Here.
Giving back to the community is something that Bruce and Barbara Thompson prioritizes.
“Our thought process was to try to use the 1800 Shamrock Fund to support evidence-based projects and help with additional training for teachers for skills they could use in the classroom to help their students be more successful,” Bruce said. “Every little bit helps move an agenda forward, whatever it is that you care about.”
Read More Here.
Craig and Becca Moots recognize the important role caring and conscientious nurses play in healthcare. The retired Taylorville couple established the Moots Family Fund as a way to support future nurses and also contribute to other causes.
“I like to think that donating has a ripple effect,” Craig said about the Fund. “If this helps a nursing student get a degree in nursi9ng, and they go on to help other people, that’s the kind of thing we are interested in.”
There are many ways to give through the Community Foundation.
In order to issue a grant from your fund, a donor recommendation form must be submitted.
The Donor Portal provides donors with 24/7 access to their fund.
Login Here
To register for the donor portal, please contact Betsy Weidner at 217-789-4431 or weidner@CFLL.org