GALESBURG, Ill. (August 25, 2020)– Local individuals and foundations generously donated a total of $40,000 to take full advantage of a $20,000 match grant from Arts Alliance Illinois and the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund (AIRF) to provide emergency operating support to local arts organizations.
Galesburg Community Foundation was among a select group of Illinois Community Foundations that participated in the 2:1 match grant offered by Arts Alliance Illinois and AIRF. The match grant initiative of Arts Alliance Illinois and AIRF was initiated to aid arts organizations across the state of Illinois. Locally, the philanthropic dollars are to be used to support arts organizations in Knox, Warren and Henderson Counties.
Joshua Gibb, president and CEO of Galesburg Community Foundation said, “Our arts organizations play a tremendous role in the well-being of our local communities. We continue to be inspired by the creativity and ingenuity that our arts organizations are demonstrating especially during these times. From online concerts, camps and tutorials, to take and make kits and more, our arts organizations are hard at work. We were so pleased to have local individuals and foundations show their support so we could take full advantage of this match opportunity to ultimately provide these emergency grants.”
Local arts organizations receiving an emergency relief grant include:
- Buchanan Center for the Arts
- Galesburg Community Chorus
- Prairie Players Civic Theatre
- NOVA Singers
- The Orpheum Theatre
Gibb said, “The arts organizations receiving these emergency grants represent the organizations that expressed a need at this time. Our team connected with more than 20 arts organizations across Knox, Warren and Henderson Counties to assess their needs. We’re grateful to be able to partner with the Arts Alliance Illinois and the AIRF to support our local organizations with these grants.”
Arts Alliance Illinois and AIRF awarded a first round of emergency grants earlier this year that included Discovery Depot Children’s Museum, Galesburg Civic Art Center and Knox-Galesburg Symphony receiving funding.
About Galesburg Community Foundation
Galesburg Community Foundation develops and supports the efforts of local people and organizations to promote healthy communities. The Community Foundation makes giving easy and believes that generosity can positively change Knox and Warren Counties forever. The Community Foundation partners with individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits to help them have the greatest impact with their giving. The Community Foundation is working for the good of your community.
About Arts Alliance Illinois
The Arts for Illinois Relief Fund is a partnership between the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, the broader philanthropic community, and the residents of Illinois to address the financial impact of COVID-19 related closures on arts organizations and individual artists throughout the state. To date, AIRF has awarded over $5 million to 1,460 artists and 233 organizations around the state. To learn more about AIRF visit https://artsforillinois.org/.
