March 4, 2024 – The Community Foundation of Macon County has announced a new name, logo and website. The foundation says the new name, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF), “represents a sense of place that is embraced by donors and nonprofits and communicates a powerful message that we are here to serve Central Illinois.” The Foundation’s website is now heartofillinois.org.
The Foundation’s expanded service area now includes Macon, Piatt and Moultrie Counties. In January, in collaboration with Decatur Earthmover Credit Union, the Foundation announced its largest discretionary grant program, the $1 Million Moving Forward program, to support nonprofits in these three counties.
“As an organization focused on growing philanthropy and collaboration in Central Illinois, now is the time to reintroduce ourselves to donors who may not know us, to regional funders who want to invest in our area and to partners in the communities we serve who want to help our region thrive,” said Kris Lutt, HICF board chair. “Our rebranding efforts will help us accomplish this goal.”
Last week, a major milestone was achieved: $50 million in grants awarded from the Foundation since it was founded in 2000. The Foundation stewards more than 400 funds and has total assets of over $56 million.
“One of the challenges with our prior name was that donors thought we only served Macon County,” HICF President Natalie Beck said. “We have a regional presence, so we wanted our name to reflect our commitment to helping communities located in the heart of Illinois. Existing at the intersection of the public, private and philanthropic sectors, our foundation is well positioned to develop local solutions for regional problems.”
Natalie Beck, Kris Lutt, and Dr. Dana Ray of the Community Foundation joined Byers & Co to unveil their new name and talk about the expansion of services. Listen to the podcast below now!
