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.
Miller Park Zoo Breaks Ground for New Educational Theater
Reposted from The Pantagraph and WGLT By Timothy Eggert and Sarah Nardi; Photos by Jim Finch BLOOMINGTON — Accommodating three different animals from South America at a 130-year-old wildlife park calls for some rearranging. At Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, that’s especially true, as officials Wednesday morning broke ground for a new multipurpose education center.…
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Know an ‘ExtraOrdinary’ Woman? New Bloomington Project Taking Submissions
Reposted from The Pantagraph By Olivia Jacobs BLOOMINGTON — Submissions are now being accepted for The ExtraOrdinary Women Project. The initiative recognizes the efforts of local women by sharing their stories and inspiring others. Every quarter, one woman and her story will be chosen by the board of directors and will be featured on the…
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Women to Women Giving Circle Hosts Pontiac Luncheon
The Women to Women Giving Circle hosted a lunch for 31 women on the plaza south of the Historic Livingston County Courthouse on July 14. The event was part of Block 59, sponsored by Pontiac Parks and Recreation. Edinger’s Filling Station provided box lunches. Women to Women is a component fund of the Illinois Prairie…
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Campers Leave Their Comfort Zone to Sail Through Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s Challenge Course
By Michele Evans, Grants & Communications Director Recently a group of teens attending a weeklong Respite Camp went outside their comfort zones and conquered many challenges at Easterseals’ Timber Pointe Outdoor Center on Lake Bloomington, near Hudson. The entire camp stay challenges campers to participate fully in many new experiences. Key among the new experiences…
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Concerts on the Quad Returns for Summer 2021
Reposted from Illinois State University News Illinois State University’s Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts and School of Music are excited to announce the return of Concerts on the Quad (COTQ) for summer 2021. All concerts are free and open to the public and will take place at 7 p.m. on the east side of…
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Illinois Wesleyan President Speaks About Pandemic Recovery
Reposted from The Pantagraph Photo by Justin Hurt The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation Women to Women Giving Circle hosted a series of Wellness Wednesday lunches to share experiences related to the pandemic, with an emphasis on resilience, inspiration and joy. Illinois Wesleyan University President Georgia Nugent was the speaker June 23 at Shepard Park in…
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Prairie Fire Theatre Invites Community To Give Opera A Try
Reposted from WGLT By Breanna Grow Musical theater fans are no doubt eager for the return of live performances. In the meantime, Prairie Fire Theatre Artistic Director Bob Mangialardi suggests Bloomington-Normal residents give opera a try. The nonprofit theater company will be live and in-person for “Opera Under the Stars” at 7:30 p.m. June 29…
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SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS: Illinois Wesleyan Language School Returns; Esports Camp Launched
Reposted from The Pantagraph By Lenore Sobota; Photos by Lewis Marien and David Proeber BLOOMINGTON — Illinois Wesleyan University is having its first Youth Esports and Leadership Camp this summer. The IWU Language School for Kids also is returning this summer in person after being virtual last summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Language School…
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Prom a Chance to Gather, Socialize for Area Seniors
By Michele Evans, Grants & Communications Director On Saturday, May 1, about 50 senior citizens gathered at the Replex in LeRoy for the 4th Annual Living Well Senior Prom. After having to cancel the 2020 Senior Prom because of COVID-19 restrictions, attendees were eager for the chance to gather and socialize after receiving their…
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IWU Language School for Kids Hosts Immersion Summer Camps
BLOOMINGTON — Children from pre-K to fifth grade have the opportunity to learn French and Spanish language and culture this summer through the Illinois Wesleyan University Language School for Kids (LSK). LSK classes will meet in the Buck Memorial Library or on IWU’s quad, when weather permits, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 2:30…
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