Most organizations celebrate one birthday, but the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln has two to celebrate this year. The foundation’s predecessor, the Sangamon County Foundation, is marking its 100th anniversary.
Originally founded in 1924, the Sangamon County Foundation was created through the collaboration of three local banks. Ridgely-Farmers State Bank, Marine Bank, and First State Trust and Savings Bank came together to establish a philanthropic organization aimed at providing financial resources to support local charitable causes.
The foundation’s formation was spearheaded by notable Springfield leaders from these banks, including Jacob Bunn, R.C. Lanphier, George W. Bunn, John G. Oglesby, George Pasfield Jr., Joseph F. Bunn, and George F. Reisch.
Grant Announcement – 100 for 100
In honor of its centennial, the Community Foundation is distributing $100,000 in grants to the eight county fairs in its service area, which includes Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, and Sangamon counties, along with the Illinois State Fair.
“We are awarding $10,000 to each of the eight county fairs in our region and a $20,000 grant to the Illinois State Fair as a way to celebrate philanthropy and help festivals that our communities enjoy every year,” said Community Foundation President and CEO John Stremsterfer. “In making these grants, we are asking organizers to think of ways these funds can make their fairs more accessible to all citizens.”
This grant announcement comes during Community Foundation Week, a nationwide celebration of the vital role that community foundations play in strengthening local communities.
