The Foundation established the “Making a Good Gift Better” program. Funded by an anonymous donor, it encouraged organizations to strengthen their operational and development capacities by building permanent endowments to attract planned gifts and provide ongoing, predictable revenue streams. Thirteen agencies participated, ranging from the Animal Care League to the Wonder Works Children’s Museum, resulting in more than 600 donors contributing to a net increase of $573,000 in local agency endowments. Currently, 30 local social impact organizations have funds with us.
The Foundation was one of an initial 18 community foundations in Illinois to be chosen for a grant tendered by the Grand Victoria Foundation. Community members rose to meet this challenge grant. In 2008, this culminated in the Communityworks endowment fund of $4.5 million at the Foundation. Through an advisory board composed of institutional and civic leaders, Communityworks established an environmental sustainability plan, PlanItGreen; a community leadership program, Leadership Lab; and a community collaboration empowering every youth in our community to reach their full potential, Success of All Youth.
