Heart of Illinois United Way

10/18/2026

Today, the Heart of Illinois United Way celebrates 105 years of bringing people together to make our community stronger.

Since 1921, generations of donors, volunteers, businesses, nonprofit partners, and community leaders have helped shape what United Way means to central Illinois. While the challenges facing our community have changed over the years, one thing has remained constant: our belief that we can accomplish more when we work together.

As we celebrate this milestone, we're reminded that our greatest strength has always been the people who believe in our mission. Your generosity and commitment allow us to respond to changing community needs, invest in programs that make a measurable difference, and create opportunities for individuals and families throughout our six-county region.

We continue that tradition by following our hearts, trusting the data, and investing in our community. Research and data inform our work, collaboration strengthens it, and people like you make it possible.

Thank you for being part of our story. Whether you've supported United Way for decades or recently joined us, you are helping write the next chapter. Here's to 105 years of making a difference and to the impact we'll create together in the years ahead.

10/16/2026

10/16/2026

𝟏𝟎𝟓 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭. From our founding on October 18, 1921, to the work we do today, Heart of Illinois United Way's history reflects our community's generosity, collaboration, and determination. Take a trip through the decades with our online historical photo galleries, including a look at our centennial commemorative report.

https://www.hoiunitedway.org/about-us/history/

09/23/2026

Last night was a wonderful evening celebrating the people who invest in our community. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Tocqueville Society and Fall Campaign Receptions. Together, we celebrated generations of local philanthropy, recognized the Mamer Family as our 2026 McCord Philanthropists of the Year, and looked ahead to the impact we can make together through our 2026 Campaign.

We’re grateful for the donors, volunteers, companies, and community partners who continue to put their hearts into making central Illinois stronger.

Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the evening, and thank you for being part of our United Way community!

09/23/2026

We're proud to recognize the Mamer Family as our 2026 McCord Philanthropists of the Year!

From the late Jim Mamer's longtime community involvement to Matt and Heidi Mamer's continued philanthropy and volunteer leadership, the Mamer family's commitment to central Illinois spans generations.

Matt and Heidi have been longtime supporters of Heart of Illinois United Way, including serving as our 2024 Campaign Chair and 2022 Pillars Society Chairs.

Congratulations to Matt, Heidi, and the entire Mamer Family—and thank you for continuing a tradition of investing in the community you call home. ❤️

Read more about the McCord Philanthropists of the Year award at:
https://www.hoiunitedway.org/mamer-family-named-2026-mccord-philanthropists-of-the-year/

L-R: Katie McCord Jenkins and HOI United Way President Jennifer Zammuto with Heidi and Matt Mamer

09/23/2026

Today we spent some time with the team at Advanced Medical Transport and share more about our programs, our mission, and what it means to be a Heart of Illinois United Way partner agency! 💚

Thank you to everyone who took the time to listen, learn more about BBBS, and ask questions. We were especially excited to hear that a few people are even interested in taking the next step to become a Big!

A special thank you to Heather for joining us and sharing more about all the incredible work Heart of Illinois United Way does to support not only our agency, but so many United Way partner agencies throughout our area.

We’re grateful for opportunities like this to connect, share our mission, and hopefully inspire a few new mentors along the way!

09/17/2026

PEORIA FRIENDSHIP HOUSE Outdoor Discovery Lab opening soon!

We are beyond excited to announce that Peoria Friendship House has been selected to receive a grant for a brand-new pavilion at our STEAMS Academy Outdoor Activity Center!

This incredible opportunity was made possible through a partnership between Morton Buildings and Heart of Illinois United Way, who are investing in creating meaningful spaces for children and families in our community.

This pavilion will become so much more than a structure. It will be a place where our students can learn, explore, create, gather, and make memories—all while experiencing hands-on STEAMS activities in the great outdoors.

For our students, this means more opportunities, more experiences, and more possibilities.

We are incredibly grateful to Morton Buildings and Heart of Illinois United Way for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our children. This is what community looks like!

Construction begins in October, and we cannot wait to watch this vision come to life!

75 years of serving our community—and we’re just getting started!

09/17/2026

09/04/2026

For more than a century, local laborers and organized labor have stood alongside the Heart of Illinois United Way, sharing their time, generosity, and commitment to help our neighbors thrive. This Labor Day, as we prepare to celebrate 105 years of service this fall, we’re especially grateful for the generations of local, hard-working people who have shaped our organization's story and continue to strengthen the heart of Illinois.