Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln

06/02/2026

📣 Nonprofit leaders & board members — invest in your impact!

Join the free Board Impact Series, designed to strengthen nonprofit governance and leadership through expert-led training with Beverly Neisler, M.A., CFRE.

🗓️ Tuesday, June 16 | 9:00 AM – Noon
Beyond the Binder: Showing Up and Serving Well

🗓️ Thursday, October 22 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Board Chair Master Class

📍 Both sessions will be held at Innovate Springfield
Horace Mann Building
1 Horace Plaza, Suite 300A
Springfield, IL

🎟️ Free to attend
📧 Register or learn more: [email protected]

Made possible through the Junior League of Springfield Capacity Building Fund of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln.

06/01/2026

📣 Applications are now open!

The Community Foundation is accepting applications for three grant opportunities:

✨ Community Grants Program
🌳 Access to Recreation Fund
🏛️ CFLL Historic Preservation Fund

These programs support projects that strengthen our communities, expand recreational access, and preserve the history and character of our region.

⏰ The deadline to submit applications for all three opportunities is midnight on July 10.

Learn more and apply today: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfllgrants

05/21/2026

Join us for the next Nonprofit Knowledge Network session this Wednesday featuring Kenneth A. Kriz, Ph.D., Professor of Public Management and Policy at UIS, presenting on “Internal Controls for Effective Financial Management.”

Learn practical strategies for strengthening internal controls, understanding the audit process, and navigating key components of IRS Form 990 — all critical tools for nonprofit financial stewardship.

🗓 Wednesday, May 27
🕦 Networking & BYO Lunch: 11:30 AM–12:00 PM
📚 Learning Session: 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
📍 LLCC Medical District, Room 202
130 W. Mason St., Springfield, IL

This event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. Register here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019dfde91c9a7f278d6fce55991ee349

05/20/2026

When donors think strategically about their philanthropy, they can create lasting impact for the causes they care about most.

Through the Compass for Kids Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation, Chris and Debbie Smith are helping ensure future generations of children continue to receive academic and social-emotional support in our community. We’re honored to help donors turn their charitable goals into enduring legacies.

Read more about the Smiths' story at the link in comments -->

05/19/2026

We’re excited to celebrate the incredible impact of Women for Women and its members, who awarded a record-breaking $70,000 in grants to local nonprofits supporting women and families across central Illinois.

Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients and thank you to everyone who continues to make collective philanthropy possible through Women for Women.

Read more and view photos from the annual grant reception below!

04/28/2026

Happening tomorrow!

Register soon for this month's Nonprofit Knowledge Network convening!

We’re excited to welcome Diana H**b Bivona, DBA, Director of Continuing Education & Business Solutions at LLCC, for a timely session on Closing the Generational Communication Gap.

Generational differences show up in everything from email response times to meeting etiquette. This session will offer practical strategies to help nonprofit professionals navigate these dynamics with clarity, professionalism, and respect.

📅 Wednesday, April 29
🕓 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (lunch + networking included)
📍 LLCC Medical District (130 W. Mason St.), room 202 – Springfield

This event is free to attend — don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and strengthen your organization’s communication practices.

Register here --> https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019c6819ec7376899fcf8ec906b0460d

04/20/2026

Our neighbors in northwest Illinois are beginning the long road to recovery after last week’s tornado caused significant damage in the Lena, IL area.

We’re grateful to be part of a strong statewide network of community foundations stepping up in times of need. If you’re able, please consider supporting relief efforts:

At this time of crisis and chaos for our neighbors in the Lena area, following the storms that ripped through our region Friday afternoon, we at The Foundation for Northwest Illinois want our neighbors to know, we are here for you.

04/17/2026

Register soon for this month's Nonprofit Knowledge Network convening!

We’re excited to welcome Diana H**b Bivona, DBA, Director of Continuing Education & Business Solutions at LLCC, for a timely session on Closing the Generational Communication Gap.

Generational differences show up in everything from email response times to meeting etiquette. This session will offer practical strategies to help nonprofit professionals navigate these dynamics with clarity, professionalism, and respect.

📅 Wednesday, April 29
🕓 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (lunch + networking included)
📍 LLCC Medical District (130 W. Mason St.), room 202 – Springfield

This event is free to attend — don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and strengthen your organization’s communication practices.

Register here --> https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019c6819ec7376899fcf8ec906b0460d

04/16/2026

Last week, our President and CEO John Stremsterfer and Chief Program Officer Stacy Reed — through the Press Forward Springfield initiative — were proud to partner with Press Forward Chicago to host the first Illinois Local News Summit, bringing together 400 leaders from across the state at the Union League Club in Chicago.

It was an energizing day focused on the future of local news, featuring remarks from Gov. JB Pritzker and insights from national and local leaders across media, philanthropy, and public policy.

John welcomed attendees, and Stacy provided closing remarks and helped shape and drive the convening with Press Forward Chicago Director Tracy Baim and many dedicated partners. The collaboration across sectors and across Illinois was powerful.

We’re excited to keep this momentum going as we work to strengthen local news in Springfield and beyond.

03/23/2026

Attention Nonprofits! Ready to boost your storytelling and communication skills? Join us this Wednesday for the Nonprofit Knowledge Network session featuring Justine Moser and Carla Wilson of Capital City Improv.

This interactive workshop is designed specifically for nonprofit leaders and will help you build confidence, strengthen collaboration, and navigate uncertainty with ease.

Register here --> https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019cd3487c147b43a5fc8ffeeed3acb4