Emerging Philanthropists Fund

The Emerging Philanthropists Fund is an initiative designed by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) to invigorate emerging community leaders to join together as philanthropists. The group is comprised of a cross-section of professionals in the community who like to have fun, but who also want to positively impact the quality of life in central Illinois.

Together, members build the Emerging Philanthropists Fund, an endowment that addresses community needs through grantmaking. The Emerging Philanthropists Fund offers a unique opportunity to its members by providing them with a vehicle for strategic giving, information about the grantmaking process, and the ability to learn more about the many nonprofit organizations in central Illinois.

The Funds giving circle model allows members to be philanthropic without having to be wealthy. By pooling together yearly membership contributions, as well as additional donations, the Fund grows. Each year, a portion of the fund is granted back to the community through a grantmaking process. Emerging Philanthropists Fund members ultimately vote on which nonprofit organizations receive grants from the Fund.

In addition to grantmaking, members will gain basic philanthropic skills and be connected with established philanthropists in the community. It is a wonderful way to get involved!