June 30, 2026 – The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation has named Alyse Knust as its new Chief Development Officer, with her appointment taking effect July 13.
Knust will lead the Foundation’s development, donor engagement, planned giving and philanthropic growth efforts across Macon, Piatt and Moultrie counties.
She brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education advancement, fundraising, alumni engagement, strategic planning and donor relations. Most recently, Knust served as Assistant Vice President of Development and Strategic Engagement at Millikin University, where she led a comprehensive fundraising program, managed major gift prospects and helped secure planned gifts and estate commitments valued at more than $3 million.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alyse,” said Natalie Beck, CEO of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. “She is a highly respected fundraising professional with deep roots in our community and a proven record of building meaningful relationships with donors. Alyse understands the power of philanthropy to transform lives and strengthen communities, and her experience will help us continue expanding our impact throughout central Illinois.”
During her time at Millikin, Knust held several leadership roles in development and alumni engagement, overseeing annual fundraising efforts exceeding $1.5 million, leading donor stewardship initiatives and helping coordinate major institutional events, including the university’s 125th anniversary celebration and presidential inauguration.
Knust earned a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Management from the University of Evansville and a Master of Business Administration from Concordia University Texas. In 2025, she completed the Certification in Fund Raising Management program through the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.
“Thank you to the Board and staff for welcoming me to an organization that is already making such a meaningful impact in central Illinois,” Knust said. “I am inspired by the people in this community and the ways they show up for one another. I have been fortunate to know many generous and caring individuals, and I look forward to getting to know even more remarkable people and stories through the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation.”
Knust has also served as president of Decatur Emerging Leaders, as a board member of the Harlaxton Society and currently teaches Arts Management at Millikin University.
In her new role, Knust will work with donors, nonprofit organizations, professional advisors and community leaders to grow charitable assets, strengthen donor relationships, expand planned giving opportunities and support the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life throughout central Illinois.
Established in 2000, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation manages more than 400 charitable funds with total assets of $67.8 million. The Foundation says it has distributed $69.8 million to charitable organizations and community initiatives throughout the region.
