King’s Daughters Awards $252,000 for Senior Programs

The King’s Daughters Organization Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln has awarded $252,000 in grants to support 22 local programs serving older adults throughout Sangamon County.

Grant recipients were recognized May 18 during the King’s Daughters Organization’s 133rd Annual Corporation Meeting.

With this year’s awards, the King’s Daughters Organization Funds at the Community Foundation have distributed more than $2.8 million in grant funding over the past 19 years.

"These grants reflect our long-standing commitment to helping older adults live healthier, safer and more connected lives,” said Cathy Boerke, president of the King’s Daughters Organization. "By investing in trusted local nonprofits, the King’s Daughters Organization in partnership with the Community Foundation are supporting practical services and meaningful programs that make a real difference for seniors and their families across Sangamon County.”

This year’s grants will support a wide range of services, including utility assistance, food programs, transportation, home repairs, wheelchair ramps, medical assistance for pets, dementia-friendly arts programs and support for grandparents raising grandchildren.

Awards were given to the following organizations:

AgeLinc/Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland received $10,000 for utility expense assistance to seniors in Sangamon County.

Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sangamon County received $10,000 for the Animal Medical Assistance Program for Senior Citizens and their animals.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield in Illinois received $10,000 for the Catholic Charities KDO Utility Assistance Grant for Senior Citizens.

Contact Ministries received $15,000 for essential support for seniors, including vision care, prescription coverage and housing stability.

Educational Center for the Visually Impaired received $15,000 to provide free education, training and resources for seniors in Sangamon County who are blind or visually impaired.

Grace Lutheran Food Pantry received $4,000 for its Food for Seniors project, which covers the cost of non-perishable and fresh foods, as well as personal hygiene items for seniors.

Greater All Nation Church received $15,000 for a community senior luncheon to provide information and connections to services.

Habitat for Humanity Sangamon County received $25,000 for its Critical Home Repair Program for low-income seniors in Sangamon County. The organization also received $20,000 for the installation of ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps for low-income seniors.

Loami Area Community Pantry received $4,000 to provide necessities for the care of elderly residents in the community.

Sangamon County Community Resources received $15,000 for food boxes for Sangamon County seniors.

Senior Services of Central Illinois received three grants: $10,000 for Daily Bread delivered meals, $7,000 for its Emergency Fund and $15,000 for senior transportation.

Sparc received $6,000 for its Holistic Senior Recreation Therapy Program.

Springfield Art Association received $3,500 for the Opening Minds Through Art program for seniors suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Springfield Choral Society received $9,000 for Sing by Heart, a dementia-friendly choir.

Springfield Municipal Opera received $8,500 for the Muni Senior Bus program, which provides transportation for seniors to performances at The Muni.

St. Martin DePorres Center, Inc. received $20,000 for food and hygiene items for seniors in need.

The Joy of Movement received $5,000 for dance and exercise classes for people living with Parkinson disease and their care partners.

The Parent Place received $15,000 for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Guardianship Assistance and Support Program.

Wild Canine Rescue received $10,000 for Silver Paw Senior Aid.

In addition to awarding grants, the King’s Daughters Organization remains active in community service. The King’s Daughters Organization Endowment Fund was established at the Community Foundation in 2007 using assets from an existing endowment fund and proceeds from the sale of the Carrie Post King’s Daughters Home for Women in Springfield. The fund provides financial support to organizations that enhance the quality of life for older residents in Sangamon County.

Local nonprofits may apply for competitive King’s Daughters Organization grants at the beginning of each year. Organizations can visit CFLL.org during the next application cycle in January 2027 and sign up online to receive grant opportunity alerts by email.

Through philanthropic services, strategic grantmaking and community leadership, the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln “connects people who care with causes that matter.”