SUCCESS STORIES
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation's impact on the four counties it serves is best seen through the community-based programs we assist. We encourage you to read about some of the programs we have helped fund in the last few years.
Bloomington’s Miller Park Zoo Debuts New Teaching Theater
Reposted from The Pantagraph Story and Photos by Brendan Denison BLOOMINGTON — A new educational theater at Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington was dedicated May 6, 2022, in memory of Sullivan Rohrscheib. Zoo Superintendent Jay Tetzloff said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that the theater will aid them in meeting their rebranded mission of engaging the…
Read MorePanelists Discuss the Challenges Facing Families as Children with Autism Get Older
Reposted from WGLT By Philip Walker In observance of Autism Acceptance Month, local philanthropic organization Women to Women Giving Circle on Tuesday hosted a panel of experts at the ISU Alumni Center to discuss autism care from early childhood through adulthood. The CDC reported last year that nearly 1 in 44 children across all ethnicities…
Read MoreMeet the Newest McLean County History Makers
Reposted from The Pantagraph By Kelsey Watznauer BLOOMINGTON — Two couples known for their work in environmentalism and nonprofit community service are McLean County’s newest History Makers. Deanna Frautschi, Alan Bedell, Myra Gordon and George Gordon will be honored this summer at the McLean County Museum of History’s 2022 History Makers Gala, the latest in…
Read MoreChicago Musicians Bringing History with ‘Powerful Sonic Experiences’ to Upcoming Concert at History Museum
Reposted from WGLT By Lauren Warnecke; Photo by Maren Celest Chicago musicians Macie Stewart and Lia Kohl, pictured, play experimental music that mixes violin, cello, and their voices with sounds influenced by classical, jazz, improvisation and even hip hop. They will perform Feb. 26 at the McLean County Museum of History. The non-profit pt.fwd kicks…
Read MoreBloomington Art Gallery Cooperative Teaches How to Unwind
Reposted from The Pantagraph Story and Photos By Brendan Denison BLOOMINGTON — Learning to paint with watercolor involves trial and error, said instructor Laura Bailey with the Inside Out: Accessible Art Cooperative in Bloomington. She taught the craft to just over half dozen people who made watercolor cards as part of a Sunday afternoon class at the…
Read MoreBloomington Family Donates 80 Pool Passes to Honor Dad’s Birthday
Reposted from WGLT By Sarah Nardi When the rebuilt O’Neil Pool opens, it will feature multiple pools, waterslides, and Bloomington-Normal’s only lazy river. All that will come with a price tag. The cost of admission will likely be upwards of $20. That’s raised concerns among some in the community that the pool will be inaccessible…
Read MoreIllinois Prairie Community Foundation to Honor Local Philanthropists
Reposted from The Pantagraph By Connor Wood BLOOMINGTON — The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation will honor its 2021 and 2020 Philanthropists of the Year during a luncheon on Nov. 18. Hank and Mary Campbell of Normal and Dale Maley of Fairbury were named as the 2021 recipients. For both 2021 and 2020 the foundation has…
Read MoreBloomington Breaks Ground on O’Neil Pool and Park Project
Reposted from The Pantagraph By Sierra Henry; Photos by David Proeber BLOOMINGTON — An anonymous donor has created a $20,000 endowment fund to help families in west Bloomington take advantage of the planned $11.7 million O’Neil Pool and Park investments. Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe announced the newly created fund Wednesday afternoon (October 20, 2021) during a…
Read MoreMiller Park Zoo Grows Conservation Efforts With Endangered Plant Garden
Reposted from The Pantagraph By Sierra Henry; Photo Courtesy Bloomington Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts BLOOMINGTON — Miller Park Zoo is not only protecting endangered animals, but through a special grant, it will also help conserve native plant species. The zoo received a $1,000 grant through the nonprofit Illinois Prairie Community Foundation to plant several…
Read MoreExperts Say Improving Diversity, Equity And Inclusion At Work Avoids Wasted Human Potential
Reposted from WGLT By Colleen Reynolds A panel of three women who have successfully worked to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in their workplaces say efforts must be intentional and strategies need to address both individual and structural changes that can be sustained. The comments came during a panel discussion, “A Local Look at Diversity,…
Read More‘A BETTER WAY’: Towanda Group Uses Backpacks to Help Kids Entering Foster Care
SERVING OTHERS: Bloomington High School Club Focuses on Expanding Literacy
Children’s Discovery Museum, McLean County Unit 5 Distribute 1,000 Activity Kits
St. Vincent de Paul-Holy Trinity Food Pantry Faces Challenges During Pandemic
Bloomington's House of Hope Helping Men Transition Back Into the Community
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton Visits Community Organizations in Bloomington
Building Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs in Livingston County
West Market Street Development Celebrated as Wrecking Ball Razes Properties
West Market Street Plaza Redevelopment Gains Support in Bloomington
Grant Equipping YWCA With Tools to Educate Students About Inclusivity
- Treasure, Not Trash: Serving an Invisible Population
- Jon's Heroes: Aspiring PE Teachers Learn How to Work With Children With Autism
- First McLean County Hero House, in Memory of Josh Rodgers, Nearly Complete
- Evergreen Cemetery Walk Celebrates 25th Anniversary
- Salvation Army Program Gives Families In Need A Pathway to Break the Cycle of Poverty
- West Bloomington Revitalization Project Dedicates Memorial Garden, Murals
- FUTURE IN STORE: Family Members Favor Turning B-N Building Into Training Center for Women
- New Park Provides Harmony of All Children Playing Together
- ‘A Long Way to Go’: B-N Celebrates 40th Annual Cultural Festival at Miller Park
- Lincoln’s Festival Brings Living History, Classic Cars to Bloomington
- Clinic Changing Lives One Smile at a Time
- Mural is Newest Addition to Downtown Heyworth
- Community Support Helps Sugar Creek Arts Festival Thrive
- Entrepreneur Camp Gives Kids Chance to Create, Pitch a Product
- Center to Help Women Create Better Lives Through Building Trades
- Newly Minted Curators Spotlight Teen Art
- Fledgling McLean County Fatherhood Coalition Helps Men With Their Vital Role
- West Market Street Council Tries to Water a Food Desert
- Deer Creek, Minier Libraries Among 12 That Receive Anonymous Windfall
- B-N Soldier Honored With Armed Forces Day Ceremony
- Unit 5 Raises Money for Autism Acceptance in Honor of Former Student
- ‘Unique Power:’ ISU’s Art Station Shows Youths What’s Possible
- ‘Hidden Hero’: Normal Post Office Renamed for Fallen Soldier Rodgers
- Trauma is Common but Healing is Possible, Central Illinois Experts Say
- Atlanta Community Comes Together to Create Museum Exhibit
- Charities See Challenges, Opportunities In New Tax Laws
- McLean County Diversity Project Scholar Donates $2,800 to School Libraries
- Green Top: $300K Raised to Keep Co-Op Store Open
- Heart Strings: ISU Music Program Reaches Out to Bloomington-Normal Youth
- Furniture for Families: For MIS Majors, One Project Has Major Impact
- A Walk to Remember: Local History Comes Alive at Evergreen Cemetery Event
- Building Opportunity: Leaders, Youth Meet to Discuss Local Issues
- 4 New Recycling Bins Added in Downtown Bloomington
- History to be Proud of: Lincoln’s Festival Highlights B-N Impact
- Chamber Music Students ‘Communicate Without Words’
- MDA Summer Camp Lets Kids Be Kids
- Getting Ready: School Supply Drive Begins for B-N Kids
- Bloomington’s Harmony Park Will Be a Place for Every Kid to Play
- A Joyful Noise! Bloomington-Normal Community Bells Run in With New Instruments
- Well-Training After-School Tutors Key to Helping Close the Learning Gap
- Bingo for Books! Aims to Improve Literacy, Access to Books Thru Bookmobile Visits
- Penguin Project Celebrates 10 Years of “Magical, Touching” Shows
- Heartland Theatre Unveils Assistive Listening System
- Giggles Galore at Illinois Symphony Orchestra's Concerts for Kids
- Health Program Helps Residents with Disabilities
- Chicago Artist Adds Mural to B-N Stomping Grounds
- Milestones Early Learning Center & Preschool - Celebrate the Artist in You
- Bloom Community School Students Explore "Community" as Guiding Theme in Opening Year
- "Never an Option": Teens, Adults Discuss "13 Reasons Why," Suicide
- Children's Home + Aid Doula Program
- Fresh Start: School Supply Giveaway "Relieves Stress" for Parents, Kids
- HeART - Heyworth and Randolph Township - Arts Council Summer Arts Camp, Mural Restoration
- "Everyone Said I Could Do It": Kids Learn from Each Other at Camps
- Atlanta Public Library's Arts Discovery Camp
- Odell Public Library Summer Reading Program