The Sammy Fund

09/28/2026

Grant requests are due this Thursday, October 1st!

The countdown is on! Grant request letters for the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund are due October 1.

If your nonprofit is helping kids and teens grow through the arts, leadership, service, or community programs, don’t miss this chance to apply.

Details here: https://www.mycommunityfoundation.org/grants

09/10/2026

Samantha’s wonderful mom, June Otte, joined an interview yesterday with Muddy River News about The Sammy Fund Group and Chaddock’s Rose Tea happening this Sunday. Take a listen for a heartwarming reminder of the beautiful impact of Sammy’s spirit and the great effect that can come from a community that works together to benefit children! 💜

https://muddyriver.tv/daily-muddy/the-sammy-fund-and-blue-devil-blooms/20260909103341/

09/04/2026

It’s that time again!

Samantha Otte’s life was short, but her impact continues to grow. Created in her memory, the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund has supported numerous programs that open doors for local children by providing opportunities for artistic, leadership, and humanitarian pursuits among youth.

Nonprofits are invited to apply for 2026 grants by October 1 at mycommunityfoundation.org/grants

03/06/2026

Samantha June Otte passed away 26 years ago today at age 10. We miss and love her and her beautiful smile. Thank you to this generous community for keeping Sam’s memory alive all this time with $700,000+ distributed in her name to local organizations! 💜🦋

01/10/2026

Yesterday was our 26th grant distribution of the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund (SOYOF), bringing the grand total distributed to over $709,000!

On Friday morning, 29 grants totaling $79,500 were distributed to area nonprofits in Samantha’s memory. Yes, you read that correctly! Our largest grant distribution to date: $79,500!

Special thanks to the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri who manages the SOYOF, to Gem City Breakfast Kiwanis for continuing fundraising efforts, and to every individual and business who has generously supported our mission over the years! 💜🦋

01/07/2026

Today would have been Samantha’s 36th birthday. Sammy loved to go BIG with parties and celebrations, so we will be celebrating her birthday this Friday with an extra special annual grant distribution! Stay tuned for the exciting announcement! 💜🦋