LESSONS LEARNED
Director of Communications, Karlie Elliott Bowman reflects on 6 years working at Galesburg Community Foundation. Here’s what she shared- “I didn’t know much about what a Community Foundation was or did before starting, let alone much about nonprofits. Here are the top 6 things I’ve learned so far:
PUTTING HEALTHY MEALS ON THE TABLE
Nancy Mowen is on a mission to make sure seniors in the region have access to nutritious meals that keep them healthy. “Every program we have is vital to our community and food—well, it is a necessity,” said Nancy, who serves as executive director of the Jamieson Community Center. The organization relies on the support of the […]
A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, GROW & GIVE
This story is the first in a series this year reflecting on the 15 years of Galesburg Community Foundation. The Galesburg Community Foundation was established July 1, 2004, from the sale of Galesburg Cottage Hospital. The Galesburg Community Foundation makes it simple for people to give in ways that make an impact in their communities […]
MUSIC BUILDS COMMUNITY IN GALVA
When John Taylor, organizer of the series, stumbled upon the grant in 2017 he immediately connected with the Levitt Foundation’s vision and knew he had to pursue the opportunity. For years John had been working to build community through live music. He started by hosting concerts at his home and has since expanded to an arts cooperative in Bishop […]
CHANGING HER COMMUNITY THROUGH ART, AND AN ENDOWMENT
Marge Dickinson can’t help but feel humbled and excited when she walks by the Galva Arts Council storefront and sees local artwork hanging on the walls or kids taking an art class. “There’s art hanging, music, events, classes… and sometimes it even transforms into a coffee house on Saturday nights,” said Marge, who started the […]
A GATEWAY TO SOMETHING GREATER
As the new executive director of Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center in Monmouth, Krista says the Community Foundation has personally supported her with mentorship and training as she takes the reigns, but also makes it possible for hundreds of kids each year to receive therapy that changes their lives. Rainbow Riders provides safe and […]
HE SIMPLY LOVED.
Rev. Sibley passed away in 2017 at the age of 68, but his legacy of giving continues through a fund established in his honor at Galesburg Community Foundation. Rev. Sibley grew up in Galesburg, graduated from Carl Sandburg College and served in the United States Air Force. He had a 20-year career in law enforcement and […]
JODIE BONDI IS RARELY WITHOUT A SKEIN OF YARN
Jodie Patterson is rarely without a skein of yarn in her hands. “It goes to the movie with me, on cruises, on the airplane,” she says with a hint of pride in her voice. Her devotion to the hobby is for a good cause. Jodie is currently knitting her 3,507 hat for children with cancer […]
BILLTOWN’S BARN-RAISING DISPLAYS POSITIVE POWER OF GIVING
By Joanie StiersChairperson, Playground Barn-Raising Committee We heard the cheers from half a block away: A pickup truck filled with kids whooped and waved their arms when they realized the new playground had finally opened. Coincidentally, our playground committee had just removed the security fence minutes ahead of their unplanned arrival. The kids sprinted from […]
IT’S ABOUT THE ACT OF GIVING
Dr. John and Barb McClean hope that their children—and their children’s children—will follow in their footsteps some day and give through the Galesburg Community Foundation. But even more than that, they hope their example of generosity is an even greater lesson in philanthropy. The couple has six children and seven grandchildren and have found multiple […]
