Forman Valley Community Foundation

09/15/2026

The Forman Valley Community Foundation (FVCF) is pleased to announce a $5,564.88 grant was issued to Midwest Central District #191. We are proud to have partnered with the Manito Musical Advocates to provide matching donations totaling over $11,000 to fund 100 brand-new Wenger Nota music posture chairs for the music department disbursed across all three district buildings. The Frances P. O’Connell Memorial Fund within the FVCF provided the money needed for this request. The generosity of our communities to the FVCF provides funding for our grants. Pictured is Dirk Heinhorst, FVCF president, Thad Franklin, band director, and Matt Dobey, Manito Musical Advocates president.

09/15/2026

The Forman Valley Community Foundation (FVCF) is pleased to announce a $20,093.24 grant was issued to the Ridge Lake Fire Protection District. The grant will be used to purchase and update equipment for their fire truck. The John D. Phillips Memorial Fund within the FVCF provided the money needed for this request. The generosity of our communities to the FVCF provides funding for our grants. Pictured presenting the check is Dirk Heinhorst, FVCF President to Danny Gordon, Fire Chief and Vinny Kolves, Asst. Fire Chief and Board President.

09/15/2026

The Forman Valley Community Foundation (FVCF) is pleased to announce a $1,200 grant was issued to Midwest Central District #191. The grant will be used to fund The Community Chapter, a take a book/leave a book structure that will be placed along Southmoor Street near the high school baseball field. The Frances P. O’Connell Memorial Fund within the FVCF provided the money needed for this request. The generosity of our communities to the FVCF provides funding for our grants. Pictured are teachers Abbie Schneider and Teresa Hill receiving the check from Dirk Heinhorst, FVCF president.

07/01/2026

Forman Valley Community Foundation Grant

The Forman Valley Community Foundation (FVCF) is taking grant applications for the second half of 2026. The deadline for submitting completed applications is August 1, 2026. The FVCF’s purpose is to assist projects in the fields of education, arts, health, human services, community service or community development, and community issues. Qualified organizations within the Midwest Central School District #191 boundaries may apply for a grant. Request a current grant application by emailing [email protected] and an updated application will be emailed to you. Applications are updated each grant period.

06/24/2026

MANITO POOL FREE SWIM DAY!

You don’t want to miss this opportunity.

This Sunday, June 28th, starting at 1 pm is the second of three Elsie Willett Free Swim Days. It’s supposed to be 90 degrees outside.

Free admission to everyone!

Thanks to Elsie’s donation to the FVCF these free swim days are made possible.

We hope to see you there!

06/24/2026

What a great event for St Jude!!! After that fund raiser, starting at 1pm, regular pool opening time, is the second of three Elsie Willett Free Swim Days!! Come and enjoy. It’s supposed to 90 degrees. ☀️🏊‍♂️

🚨🌊 SPLASH ALERT, MANITO!!! 🌊🚨
The Memorial Park Aquatic Center is turning up the FUN for an AWESOME cause with…

💦💙 SPLASHES FOR ST. JUDE 💙💦
📅 Sunday, June 28th
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

We are inviting the ENTIRE public to come swim, eat, laugh, donate, and make a BIG splash for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital! Our St. Louis to Peoria Runners are excited to be a part of this event since we have close to 10 local runners!

First off… can we get a HUGE round of applause for Manito Hardware & Tire 👏👏👏

They stepped up and COVERED the pool rental fee so we could throw this pool party AND make admission “pay what you want!” That means EVERY dollar collected at the gate goes directly to St. Jude!

🍔🌭 AND because nobody should raise money on an empty stomach… THANK YOU to Country General for sponsoring the BBQ! We’ll be grilling hot dogs, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers with chips and water included. ALL BBQ proceeds go directly to St. Jude!
Will there be pool concessions too?
ABSOLUTELY.
(Regular concession sales will go directly to the pool)

🎟️ HUGE shoutout to Noah Sarff and Country Financial for being the FIRST business to donate a raffle item! We are so excited to keep adding raffle prizes and community partners!

⚠️ Goal for the day: PACK THE POOL!*
(*Without making the lifeguards panic over pool capacity. 😅)

The regular pool hours start at 1pm. Patrons will not have to pay an admission fee beyond the donation at the Splashes for St Jude because it is a free swim day for Elsie Willet Memorial. You are welcome to stay and swim beyond the event for FREE!! The pool will close 12:30-1:00 to break lifeguards before normal opening time. Let’s go Manito Pool!!! See less

06/10/2026

We are thrilled to have such a great turnout for Elsie’s free swim day. Especially with the questionable forecasted weather. Thanks to Charlene for adding the BBQ in honor of Ernie and to Fred and the pool staff for their contributions.

06/08/2026

Come enjoy the first of three Elsie Willett free swim days this Wednesday.

Send a message to learn more

05/19/2026

Nurse Denise making a difference in our community! Well done.

05/13/2026

MANITO POOL FREE SWIM DAYS!

You don’t want to miss this opportunity. Be sure to mark the dates on your calendar.

The 2026 Elsie Willett Free Swim Days will be held on June 10th, June 28th and July 24h. Free admission to everyone on those days!

Thanks to Elsie’s donation to the FVCF these free swim days are made possible.

We hope to see you there!