Galesburg Community Foundation

10/19/2026

In 2024, we shared the story of Anna Sophia Johnson. This National Estate Planning Awareness Week, we’re revisiting her story as a reminder of how thoughtful planning can carry your values forward for generations to come.

Raised on her family farm in Knox County, Anna had a deep love for the arts and a commitment to preserving her farmland. By including Galesburg Community Foundation in her estate plans, she created a lasting legacy that honors her wishes while providing ongoing support for charitable causes.

Anna’s generosity is a great example of how estate planning can be more than preparing for the future. It can be a way to support the people, places and causes you care about long after you’re gone.

🎥 Revisit Anna Sophia Johnson’s story and learn how her legacy continues through Galesburg Community Foundation.

Read her story: https://www.yourgcf.org/story_of_impact/annasophiajohnson/I

10/15/2026

Did you know there are many different ways you can support the causes you love? Many people hold stocks, real estate or retirement plans—and those can be powerful tools for giving.

At the Community Foundation, we help turn these assets into tax-efficient gifts that make a real difference in Knox, Warren, and Henderson Counties.

Have questions? We’re here to walk you through your options. Reach out today to start the conversation.

09/29/2026

Qualified Charitable Distributions can be an easy, tax-smart way to support the community you love. Learn more from Sarah Grant, our Vice President of Development, below, or visit our website: https://www.yourgcf.org/giving/ways-to-give/qualified-charitable-distribution/

09/23/2026

Our Vice President of Finance, Shawn Hedden is celebrating 7 years at the Community Foundation today!

Thank you, Shawn, for all you do to keep the good work moving forward around here. We’re grateful for everything you bring to the team and our community!

09/21/2026

History came alive in Henderson County this summer! 🇺🇸

A 2025 Turnout Grant from the Henderson County Impact Fund at Galesburg Community Foundation, helped support a celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 50th anniversary of the Henderson County Historical Society and Museum.

More than 300 people gathered for an event that brought history to life, including a reenactment featuring 47 local men portraying the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

This event offered the community a unique opportunity to experience local history and learn more about the people and stories that helped shape Henderson County.

👉 Read the full Story of Impact to learn more about the event and the GCF grant that helped make it possible: https://www.yourgcf.org/story_of_impact/history-comes-alive-in-henderson-county/

Photos provided by Melinda Whiteman of the Henderson County Historical Society

09/17/2026

We were proud to recently join Compeer Financial for its Rooted and Rising Rural Forum, where Galesburg Community Foundation President and CEO Josh Gibb was joined by Knoxville Community Fund Chairperson Mandy Balser and Roseville Community Fund Chairperson Carol Shaw to share how our community funds are helping rural communities invest in their own futures.

Our Community Funds give local residents a way to come together, make decisions about what matters most in their communities, and build a permanent source of funding.

Mandy and Carol shared what that looks like firsthand, from supporting local projects and organizations to bringing community members together around ideas for the future. Josh also shared how the Galesburg Community Foundation provides the administrative and financial support behind the funds, allowing local advisory boards to focus on their communities.

One of the most powerful parts of the community fund model is that everyone can be part of it. Gifts of all sizes can come together to create a permanent resource for a community.

We’re grateful to Compeer Financial for creating space for this conversation and to Mandy and Carol for sharing their experiences and the stories of their communities.

09/15/2026

If you’re 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) could be a smart way to give this year. As you plan your year-end giving, consider whether a QCD to a fund at Galesburg Community Foundation could be right for you. QCDs can be made directly from your IRA to GCF and may also qualify for a 25% Illinois Gives Tax Credit! Learn more about the Illinois Gives Tax Credit at yourgcf.org/illinoisgives

09/08/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Turnout Grant recipients!

Each year, Galesburg Community Foundation awards grants to nonprofits serving our region through The Turnout, our annual grant cycle.

The Turnout supports organizations working across four key areas: arts, culture and community enhancement; health and human services; education and workforce development; and nonprofit capacity, sustainability and reinvention.

These grants are made possible through the generosity of our community, including gifts to the Community Foundation’s unrestricted Impact Fund and Field of Interest Funds, as well as contributions from donors who hold Donor Advised Funds at the Community Foundation.

We’re proud to invest in the organizations doing important work across our region.

Read the full announcement and see this year’s recipients:

The Turnout Awards Grants to 46 Local Nonprofits Galesburg, IL., (September 8, 2026): 46 nonprofit organizations across Knox, Warren, and Henderson counties have been awarded grants through Galesburg Community Foundation’s 2026 Turnout Annual Grant Cycle. The grants will support projects and p...

08/24/2026