An anonymous donor made a very generous gift to the Community Foundation. A $200,000 gift will support the Community Foundations work in including launching a new project to better understand food insecurity in the county and create strategies to help more people in need access food.

The Community Foundation will place $50,000 in the Jo Daviess County Youth Fund. This fund supports efforts to ensure children and youth are healthy, ready to learn, succeeding in school, and empowered to contribute to the growth and vitality of our communities in Jo Daviess County.

The Jo Daviess County Future Fund will receive $40,000. This fund supports future needs in Jo Daviess County in areas of need such as family economic security, education, and community development. Each year starting in 2021, the Future Fund may provide grants to Jo Daviess County nonprofits and charitable causes that serve Jo Daviess County communities.

$10,000 will support a Food Insecurity project. “We will engage food pantries, as well as organizations and programs that provide food to individuals and families in need.” said Eric Dregne, Community Foundation President. The project will map the places and programs that are providing food and identify gaps and so resources can be focused on those opportunities . “We can also create opportunities to bring best-practice strategies and learning opportunities for providers.” Dregne added.

The remaining $100,000 will provide operational support for the Community Foundation over the next 4 years. “This is an incredible gift, it will allow us to expand our outreach efforts, implement better fund management tools, and hire staff” said Bridgette Stocks, Board VP. “We are grateful to the donor for believing in the Community Foundation and investing in our community’s future”

Gifts to these funds in any amount can be made online on the Community Foundation website at www.cfjodaviess.com or by mailing a check to: Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County, P.O. Box 77, Elizabeth, IL 61028.

The Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County fosters giving and invests in communities in Northwest Illinois. At the Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County, we strengthen the communities in our county by inspiring community members to give, making grants to strengthen nonprofits, and investing in long-term community initiatives.