February 29, 2024-The Community Foundation of Macon County recently reached a significant milestone after awarding more than $50 million in grants and scholarships since CFMC’s founding in 2000.
“Surpassing the $50 million milestone represents progress toward our mission of increasing community generosity,” said Kris Lutt, Chair of the CFMC Board of Trustees. “Today we celebrate the Foundation’s impact and the generosity of donors at all levels who made this possible. We live in a very giving community that has made The Community Foundation the premier center for thoughtful philanthropy.”
Founded in 2000, the CFMC’s first-year assets reached $177,717, with $6,550 in grants awarded. Today, The Community Foundation has grown to steward charitable assets of over $56 million, and total grants since inception now stand at just over $50 million. The gift that carried the CMFC across the $50 million mark was a $2,500 grant from Dan Hardy to the Decatur Park District.
It was 18 years before The Community Foundation granted its first $25 million in grants and scholarships but less than six years passed before CFMC granted the next $25 million. In 2023, CFMC granted more than $6 million, its largest grantmaking year to date.
“The real impact of the over $50 million in charitable grants is the stories behind the numbers,” said CFMC President Natalie Beck. “It’s about the difference the grants make. It’s about the intentional actions, large and small, of hundreds of local donors and CFMC fundholders.”
“It’s hard to sum up the vast accomplishments philanthropy has made through the CFMC,” Beck added. “We greatly look forward to continuing our work and enhancing the future of the Illinois heartland.”
