RECENT NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2024

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223

 

Edwardsville Community Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Directors

 

The Edwardsville Community Foundation has recently appointed Nekisha Omotola and Brian Paul as its newest Board directors.

 

Omotola is an experienced marketing and public relations strategist and dedicated community volunteer. She is a commercial real estate agent with the Kunkel Wittenauer Group and a member of the Edwardsville NAACP, Watershed Nature Preserve Foundation Board, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the University of Missouri Alumni Association. She was previously a member of the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 School Board and currently serves as trustee for the Village of Glen Carbon. She resides in Glen Carbon with her husband and two children.

 

"I am excited to join the Edwardsville Community Foundation and collaborate with an amazing team of leaders in serving our community,” Omotola said.

 

Paul is a licensed architect and project manager at Gray Design Group, an architecture and interior design firm. His project experience spans several market sectors, including senior care, educational, commercial/retail, recreational, and industrial, with expertise in multi-family housing. He also served as Metro East Section President of the American Institute of Architects, was a member of the Facilities Committee at Edwardsville Township, and was a member of the School Board for Roxana Community Unit School District. He resides in Glen Carbon with his wife and two children.

 

“I am proud of our community and its many accomplishments, and I am appreciative of the opportunity to deepen my civic involvement and advance the community through the efforts of the Edwardsville Community Foundation,” Paul said.

 

“On behalf of the ECF Board, I extend our heartfelt gratitude and warmest welcome to Brian and Nekisha as they step into their roles as new board members. Their willingness to devote their time, expertise, and passion to our community is truly commendable, and we are thrilled to have them join us on this journey. Together, we will work tirelessly to foster positive change and create a brighter future for all,” Rich Walker, ECF board chair said.


ECF Announces New Scholarship 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE February 21, 2024                                                                    

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223

 

EDWARDSVILLE, IL — The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Christina M. Digby Memorial Scholarship for Students with Learning Challenges. This $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior at Edwardsville High School who has faced challenges as a result of a learning disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or autism spectrum disorder and is continuing their education at college, university, communication college or trade/vocational school. This award is sponsored by Digby’s parents, DeAnna and David Kasich.

 

Digby earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science from the Barnes Jewish College of Nursing and Allied Health at Washington University. “Christy worked tirelessly to overcome her own learning challenges to become a successful nurse practitioner,” said DeAnna Kasich. “We believe Christina would want others with learning challenges, who have demonstrated their ability to put in the extra effort and persevere, to be honored and given the opportunity to succeed in their goals."

 

“We are pleased to offer this award to benefit graduating seniors at Edwardsville High School,” said Pamela Farrar, ECF executive director. “A scholarship for students with learning challenges is a perfect complement to our scholarship program which awarded $110,400 in 2023.”

 

More information about the Christina M. Digby Memorial Scholarship for Students with Learning Challenges can be found here: https://www.edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org/scholarships

 

Edwardsville Community Foundation Announces Online Scholarship Application Available January 31, 2024 - March 1, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE January 31, 2024

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223


The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2024 online scholarship application is now open. The online application is available from January 31 -March 1, 2024. To learn more about the criteria for each scholarship please see www.edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org/scholarships

 

The Edwardsville Community Foundation’s scholarship program includes over 30 scholarships for the benefit of area high school students pursuing a wide variety of academic disciplines and courses of study including:

ECF scholarships are for students attending vocational/technical school or college, university, or community college.


Click here to access the 2024 ECF Online Scholarship application


“We’re happy to offer an online application that will allow students to have a streamlined process to apply,” Pamela Farrar, ECF executive director said. “We’re looking forward to the efficiency the new system will provide.” 


ECF scholarships would not be possible without the generous donors whose charitable gifts make these awards possible. ECF thanks individual donors, businesses, and organizations for their generous contributions.


$25,000 IN GRANTS FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2023

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223

Edwardsville Community Foundation Announces $25,000 in Grants for 25th Anniversary

 

As part of its 25th anniversary, the Edwardsville Community Foundation recently awarded $25,000 in 2023

Community Impact Grants. These grants are directed by the ECF Board of Directors to local nonprofits that make a substantial and broad impact in our community through a project or service.

 

This year’s grant recipients include:

 

Edwardsville Arts Center - Art Classes for seniors - $4545.45

Edwardsville Children’s Museum - Discovery Gardens Musical Mushroom exhibit - $2608

Glen Ed Pantry - Baker’s rack and safe - $900

Madison County Historical Society – Supplies for summer history camp - $2550

Rebuilding Together Southwest Illinois - Multiple home repair projects - $3,000

SIUE ACCESS Deaf Services - UbiDuo communication device - $4050

 

“We are so grateful to the Edwardsville Community Foundation for their gift of the musical mushroom drum to the Discovery Garden. Children are enjoying the sound and vibration of the gong of the drum, and it is a beautiful, colorful addition to the garden,” said Kristin Fries, executive director of the Edwardsville Children’s Museum.

 

Another grantee, Rebuilding Together Southwest Illinois provides home repairs for homeowners, including veterans and low-income individuals, who are unable to afford needed repairs or modifications. “We could not do what we do without the help of folks like ECF who partner with us to complete vital safety and accessibility issues,” said Chris Azar, board president of Rebuilding Together Southwest Illinois.

 

ECF’s Community Impact Grant (CIG) Program has granted nearly $760,000 over the past 25 years to 49 local nonprofit organizations serving the District 7 region.  “ECF is thankful for our generous donors who have made these grants possible,” said Pamela Farrar, ECF executive director.  “Over the past 25 years, CIG grants have supported a myriad of projects and services that have had a positive impact in our community.”

 

The remaining 2023 funds have been designated for a community project to be announced later this year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 05, 2023

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223

Edwardsville Community Foundation Announces 2023 Scholarships

The Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) is proud to announce its 2023 scholarships, which include 51  individual scholarships for District 7 high school seniors to continue their education. The total amount awarded this year is $109,400. 

Each year, ECF manages the selection and distribution of numerous scholarship funds on behalf of generous donors whose charitable gifts make these awards possible. ECF thanks individual donors, businesses, and organizations for their generous contributions. 

“All of ECF’s scholarship awards are a direct result of donors who want to positively impact local students'  education,” Pamela Farrar, ECF executive director, said. “We’re so appreciative of their generosity.”

“It's comforting to know that there are people in my community who understand how important learning is,  and provide resources for students to have more autonomy in affording their education. It helps rebuild that space to learn by taking risks, to learn by doing, without as much worry about the support you have to do that.  I feel really lucky to grow up in a place like Edwardsville and be surrounded by people who value education,”  Caspar Dowdy, EHS 2023 graduate and recipient of the Gordon Dodds Literary Scholarship and Charles A. Wentz Jr. Family Scholarship, said.  

The 2023 recipients: 

Vyla Hupp Leila Leitner Anderson Memorial Scholarship

Emmy Larrew Karen Bardelmeier Albrecht Medical Technology Scholarship

Thaddeus Wells Nadine Penelton Bradshaw Scholarship

Reese Noll L.J. and Faye E. Burrus Family Scholarship

Margaret Klusas, Caroline Marcus, Sydney Sobczak, Elizabeth Stock Busey Bank Community Scholarships  (Madison/St. Clair Counties)

Simona Bodo Mildred A. Carr Scholarship

Ella Heddinghaus Judy DeSart Memorial Healthcare Scholarship

Madeline Burkart Dennis DeToye Visual Art Scholarship

Caspar Dowdy Gordon Dodds Literary Award

John LeBrie, Ella Koerkenmeier Dirty Dozen Edwardsville High School Class of 1953 College Scholarship

Taylor Frick, Summer Guebert ECF Fine Arts Scholarship

Taylor Heberer, Sophia Ivnik: Loretta "Babs" Enloe Memorial CEO Program Scholarship

Tanner Garner Ryan Garbs Gold Star Memorial Scholarship

Caroline Marcus Goshen Rotary Scholarship Award

Avary Osbourne Sharon Petty Field Hockey Scholarship

Natalie Becker Edwardsville High School Drama Club Scholarship 

Marlaina Graney, Brandon Reed: Dave Rieger Golf Scholarship

Axton Anom, Emmy Larrew, Izzy O’Day, Jonathan Stump: Leigh Sills Scholarship

Gavin Edwards Mark Speciale Family Vocational Scholarship

John Labrie Marvin “Preach” Webb Scholarship

Ella Koerkenmeier Raymond & Lucia Weber Scholarship

Selen Aktuna, Emmy Larrew, Isabelle O’Day: Charles A. Wentz, Jr. EHS Engineering 

Ella Koerkenmeier, Caroline Marcus, Jonathan Stump: Charles A. Wentz, Jr. Business and Science Scholarship

 

Charles A. Wentz, Jr. Family Scholarships:

Cole Simpson Frederick & Sophia Blume Bohm EHS Educational Scholarship

Madison Deck Christian P. & Frances Kaiser Smith EHS Educational Scholarship

Grace Ramsey William H. & Emma Smith Bohm EHS Educational Scholarship 

Brianna Paul Emma D. Maria Bohm EHS Educational Scholarship

Alexis Trimm Heinrich A. & Margaretha Roeth Wentz EHS Educational Scholarship 

Anmar Bahrainwala John P. & Louisa Tschannen Sehnert EHS Educational Scholarship Caspar Dowdy Conrad A. & Louis Sehnert Wentz EHS Educational Scholarship

Eleanore Feldman Charles A. & Frances Bohm Wentz EHS Educational Scholarship

Reese Noll Wilbur H. Smith Bohm EHS Educational Scholarship

 

Charles A. Wentz, Jr. Church Scholarships:

Lillian Armstrong St. John's Methodist Church

Taylor Frick New Bethel United Methodist Church

 

Ella Cook, Samuel Wittek Charles A. Wentz, Jr. EHS Student Athlete Scholarship 

 

Thaddeus Wells Harry K. & Carol A. Windland Building Trades Scholarship in Memory of Harry E. Windland

Photo Credit: Zach Kennett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE April 18, 2023

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223


Edwardsville Community Foundation Announces New Board Director


EDWARDSVILLE, IL-- The Edwardsville Community Foundation has appointed Kristopher Lakin as its newest board director. Lakin is currently the Chief Strategy Officer at Sangita Capital Partners, a Clayton, Missouri-based private equity firm with holdings that span four continents in a myriad of sectors, including technology, healthcare, cannabis, real estate, infrastructure, and media.


“Change emanates from the grassroots, which was the founding impetus of ECF more than 25 years ago and remains its bailiwick today,” Lakin said. “As Dr. King famously said, ‘Everybody can be great because everybody can serve,’ a principle that shines brightly throughout ECF’s entire organization.”


“We are pleased to have Kris join the board and lend his expertise in strategy and relationship building to add value to our organization,” said Caryn Mefford, ECF Board Chair.


Prior to Sangita, Kris worked for nearly a decade with Edwardsville-based Eudora Global (and its affiliates Atomic 47 and Lineup Media Group), whose portfolio included early-stage financial technology, healthcare, and media companies from both domestic and emerging markets across the globe.


Lakin also serves on the boards of the Historic Saint Louis Street Association and the Edwardsville Futures UTSA Pro Circuit Event. He is a member of St. Boniface Parish as well as the Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY) and the National Labor College (Washington, D.C.) alumni associations.


Lakin resides in Edwardsville with his wife Lindsay and their children, Sloane and Henry.

Kristopher Lakin

Photo credit: Rachel Gierach Photography

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 22, 2023

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223


Edwardsville Community Foundation Announces Gori Law Firm Scholarship


The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Gori Law Firm Scholarship for the benefit of area high school seniors continuing their education. Proceeds from the upcoming Gori Law Women’s Day Celebration 5K at Schon Park in Glen Carbon on March 25, 2023, will benefit the Gori Law Firm Scholarship.


“The Gori Law Women’s Day Celebration 5K is an occasion for us to celebrate International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month, and the impact women have in our local community,” said Sara Salger, managing partner at the Gori Law Firm. “Creating this event with the help of our sponsors allows us to invest in women who share our same goals: to make a positive impact in our community. The funds raised for this event will support women leadership and business endeavors through the Gori Law Scholarship Fund at the Edwardsville Community Foundation.”


Seniors graduating in 2024 from Edwardsville High School, Father McGivney Catholic High School, and Metro East Lutheran High School are eligible to apply, as well as local homeschooled students that reside in the District 7 boundaries. Applications for this scholarship will be available in October of 2023, in the guidance office of the three area high schools. Homeschooled students should contact ECF for an application.


“We are pleased to partner with the Gori Law Firm, sponsor of the Gori Law Firm Scholarship, to offer this award for area high school seniors,” said Pamela Farrar, ECF executive director. “Last year ECF awarded $116,600 in scholarships and we’re grateful that the Gori Law Firm Scholarship will now be included as part of our scholarship program.” 


Support the Gori Law Firm Scholarship with link below:

https://edwardsvillecf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1726


Make checks payable to ECF-Gori Law Firm Scholarship & mail to: 

ECF-Gori Law Firm Scholarship

PO Box 102

Edwardsville, IL 62025




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 15, 2023

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223


Community Impact Challenge Grants Available to Celebrate

Edwardsville Community Foundation’s 25th Anniversary


To celebrate 25 years of serving the community, the Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) has earmarked $25,000 for its 2023 Community Impact Challenge Grants for area nonprofit organizations offering projects or services that have a substantial and broad impact on our community. These grants are made possible through the generosity of ECF donors.


“The ECF was founded on the generosity of donors who believed in creating a legacy of purposeful philanthropy. Over the past 25 years, the ECF has served as a conduit and convener between donor intent and community needs. It has been quite amazing to see the impact that donors, large and small, can have when they join resources through donor advised funds, project funds, scholarship funds, community impact grants, and most recently through our community relief fund. I am proud to be part of this organization and to carry on as steward of this incredible legacy,” said Caryn Mefford, chair of the ECF board of directors.


“Over the past 25 years, ECF has granted over $735,000 to 75 local nonprofits,” said Pamela Farrar, ECF executive director. “Our Community Impact Challenge Grants have supported a wide variety of projects and programs that have enhanced our community and provided better service for area residents. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Edwardsville Arts Center, Riverbend

Head Start & Family Services, Village of Worden Parks and Recreation, Watershed Nature Center, and just recently the National Museum of African Americans on Stamps are just a handful of organizations that ECF has funded over the past 25 years.”


More information about ECF Community Impact Challenge Grants, including criteria and grant application, is available here.


Please submit grant applications by May 1, 2023, to be considered in this round of grants.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2023

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223


Edwardsville Community Foundation Announces Jack Pfund Habitat for Humanity Construction Fund


The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Jack Pfund Habitat for

Humanity Construction Fund, sponsored by the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chapter of Habitat For Humanity. Gifts to this fund will help support Habitat for Humanity’s home builds in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and other communities within the Edwardsville School District.


The local chapter is nearing completion of a home build at 624 Hill Lane, Edwardsville, and will

soon begin to build a new home, also on Hill Lane. “It takes an entire community for our

chapter to be able to provide affordable homes to deserving families. Jack Pfund and his

family, as well as the whole Pfund Construction team, have been tremendous supporters of this

mission for many years. We are humbled to be able to establish this fund in honor of Jack, an

amazing young man who had a heart of giving back to the community with his time and

talents,” said Rich Hampton, Habitat for Humanity Board Member.


“ECF is proud to support the home-building efforts of the local Edwardsville/Glen Carbon

Chapter,” said Pamela Farrar, ECF executive director. “This fund honors Jack and reminds us of

his love of construction and generous service to our community.”



Click here to support the Jack Pfund Habitat for Humanity Construction Fund.


PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2022

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223


Edwardsville Community Foundation Awards Relief Grants

The Edwardsville Community Foundation recently awarded nearly $1.7 million in relief grants to individuals, businesses, and municipalities in Madison County after the deadly tornado in December 2021. These relief grants represent an unprecedented amount dispersed by ECF in the foundation’s 25 years of existence.


The following relief grants have been made in accordance with the ECF Relief Fund Criteria and Priorities related to the December 10, 2021 event:


• $498,867 to municipal police & fire departments for digital communication radios

• $187,049 to municipalities for emergency equipment and vehicles

These Madison County municipalities include Alhambra, Collinsville, Cottage Hills, East Alton, Edwardsville, Edwardsville Township, Godfrey, Granite City, Hamel, Madison County Emergency Management, Marine, New Douglas, Olive, Roxana, SIUE, SouthRoxana and Worden.

• $210,961 for individuals and businesses directly impacted by the storm

• $100,000 to SIU-Edwardsville for lasting scholarships in disaster  preparedness fields

• $500,000 endowment for relief related to future disasters


On December 10, 2021, two tornadoes came through the southwest part of

Edwardsville, taking the lives of six people and damaging property. While the effect was isolated to this area, the impact was felt throughout our community. After the tornado, there was a profound and generous influx of charitable gifts to the Edwardsville Community Foundation to aid the victims and their families. ECF has been able to restore uninsured property, supplement lost wages, aid in private cleanup, and provide mental health counseling for those affected.


“We are so grateful for all of our donors who made these relief grants possible,” Pamela Farrar, ECF Executive Director said. “We received tremendous support, both locally and from across the state and country, from individuals, local businesses, corporations and foundations. One of the donations received was from the ‘Kindness Krew,’ also known as Mrs. Lauren Heigert’s fifth grade class at Cassens Elementary, which raised $250 for the Relief fund.”


“This funding allowed us to purchase 82 new first responder radios that will significantly enhance communications among the agencies and communities involved,” Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said. “And that means all of those firefighters, EMTs and police officers will be able to serve the public better than ever on a daily basis and during large-scale incidents.”


The Edwardsville Community Foundation’s Relief Fund was previously active in 2020 and 2021 with over $140,000 in COVID-19 relief grants for local nonprofit organizations to assist with basic and emergency services during the pandemic.


Any remaining relief funds will support ongoing relief efforts in the local community. "These grants represent the charitable impact that community foundations can leverage to help communities and residents recover after a disaster,” Farrar added.

ECF 2022-2023 Scholarship Season Begins 

October 25, 2022 Applications for scholarships at the Edwardsville Community Foundation are now available at the guidance offices of the four area high schools — Edwardsville High School, Metro East Lutheran High School, Maryville Christian School, and Father McGivney Catholic High School. Applications are due Jan. 31, 2023. Last year, the Edwardsville Community Foundation granted $116,600 in scholarships to assist 60 local students pursuing degrees at colleges, universities, community colleges and vocational and technical schools. 

Available scholarships include: 

  • Busey Bank Community Scholarship 
  • Judy DeSart Memorial Healthcare Scholarship
  • Charles A. Wentz Jr Church Scholarships 
  • Karen Bardelmeier Albrecht Medical Technology Scholarship
  • Charles A. Wentz Jr. Business and Science Scholarships
  •  L.J. and Faye E. Burrus Scholarship
  • Charles A. Wentz Jr. Engineering Scholarships 
  • Leigh Sills Scholarship
  • Charles A. Wentz Jr. Family Scholarships 
  • Leila Leitner Anderson Memorial Scholarship
  • Charles A. Wentz Jr. Student Athlete Scholarships 
  • Loretta "Babs" Enloe Memorial Edw. CEO Scholarship
  • Dave Rieger Golf Scholarship 
  • Mark Speciale Family Vocational Scholarship
  • Dennis DeToye Visual Arts Scholarship

ECF Community Impact Challenge Grant Applications Now Accepted


September 15, 2022 Through the generosity of donors throughout the community, the Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) is pleased to announce that applications are now available for ECF Community Impact Challenge grants. Applications will be accepted throughout the year with a maximum of $5,000 per grant, while funding lasts.

Learn more, and begin your application here. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 30, 2022

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223

Edwardsville Community Foundation Announces Two New Funds


The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce two new funds, the Global Brew Community Development Fund (Donor Advised) and the ‘Que & Brew Festival Fund. Both funds are sponsored by Ryan and Laura High, co-owners of Global Brew Tap House. 


The Global Brew Community Development Fund will support recreation, education, and service-focused initiatives throughout the area,” said Ryan High, Global Brew co-owner.  


The ‘Que & Brew Festival Fund supports the ‘Que & Brew Festival, a new annual BBQ competition that will take place Oct. 22, 2022 at Edwardsville City Park. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to reinvest in the community that has treated our family and businesses well for more than 10 years,” High said. “It is our hope that these funds will help shape and develop the future of this region where our family lives, works, and plays.” 


“On behalf of our Board of Directors, the Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to offer these funds,” ECF Executive Director Pamela Farrar said.  “We’re thankful for donors like Ryan and Laura, as well as other donors to ECF who embody the spirit of generous giving and seek to create a lasting legacy that enriches our collective community.”  


Click here to support Global Brew Community Development Fund


Click here to support ‘Que & Brew Festival Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2022

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223


Edwardsville Community Foundation Announces New Board Director


EDWARDSVILLE, IL — The Edwardsville Community Foundation has appointed Paul Millard as board director.


Millard is returning to the ECF Board after serving from 2014 to 2020 when he served as ECF’s

Chair of the Board from 2018 to 2020 and was a member of ECF’s Grants and Gifts & Funds

Committees. He also serves on the Board of the Edwardsville CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial

Opportunities) Program and is past president of the Ed/Glen Chamber of Commerce.

Millard currently is Market President for CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. for Edwardsville/Glen

Carbon and Alton (Madison County). Millard brings a wealth of experience to ECF from his

over 30-year career in the banking and financial industry.


“I look forward to once again be working with such a great organization and fellow board

members,” Millard said. “The Foundation continues to grow and support this wonderful

community and I am very thankful to be a part of it.”


Millard currently lives in Edwardsville with his wife Melissa. The couple has two

children, Tess and Lilly. Paul and Melissa have lived in Edwardsville for over 30 years,

where they have raised their two children.


“On behalf of our Board of Directors, we’re so pleased to welcome Paul back to the ECF

board,” said Pamela Farrar, ECF Executive Director. “Paul is always willing to lend a

hand by sharing his expertise so ECF can continue to grow and serve our community.”


Paul Millard


Photo credit: Rachel Gierach Photography

ECF ANNOUNCES 2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 21, 2022

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223


The Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) is proud to announce our 2022 scholarship recipients. This

year’s scholarship cycle will distribute over $121,000 to support local graduating seniors who are continuing

their education in a variety of academic and vocational disciplines.


Each year, ECF manages the selection and distribution of numerous scholarship funds on behalf of generous

individuals whose donations make these awards possible. ECF thanks the individual donors, businesses and

organizations for their generous contributions.


“I am thankful to the Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) for assisting others and myself to reach our

educational goals by providing college scholarship funds. I will always be grateful to the ECF that some of the

financial burden of my collegiate education has been alleviated. The Edwardsville area students are fortunate

to have ECF, its donors, and overall community support and encouragement,” said Jenae Wright, 2022

recipient and EHS graduate.


The 2022 recipients include:


Spencer Stearns, Emilie Fry Leila Leitner Anderson Memorial Scholarship:

Lindsey Lankford Karen Bardelmeier Albrecht Medical Technology Scholarship

Kevin LeDuc Nadine Penelton Bradshaw Scholarship

Jay Bolten L.J. and Faye E. Burrus Family Scholarship

Caitlin Conrad, Abigail Hasty, Elise Moore, Jenae Wright: Busey Bank Community Scholarships (Madison/St. Clair Counties)

Michael Voltz Mildred A. Carr Scholarship

MaKenna Lueking Judy DeSart Memorial Healthcare Scholarship:

Hannah Colbert Dennis DeToye Visual Art Scholarship:

Logan Roever Gordon Dodds Literary Award

Danielle Huene, Simon McKean: Dirty Dozen Edwardsville High School Class of 1953 College Scholarship

Sophia Bertolino, Sidney Lane ECF Fine Arts

Kyla Archer, Laura Propes:  Loretta "Babs" Enloe Memorial CEO Program Scholarship

Kennedy Fox  Ryan Garbs Gold Star Memorial Scholarship

Tyler Chrenka Goshen Rotary Scholarship Award

Lily Wittkamp Sharon Petty Field Hockey Scholarship

Sophia Bertolino Edwardsville High School Drama Club Scholarship

Ellie Hyten, Antonio Ybarra: Dave Rieger Golf Scholarship

Sydnee Campbell Roa Educational Scholarship

Chris Agwuedu, Ruben Benjanker, Laine Chapman, Tyler Chrenka, Jasmyn Story, Jenae Wright: Leigh Sills Scholarship

Kevin LeDuc Mark Speciale Family Vocational Scholarship

Joshua Stout Raymond & Lucia Weber Scholarship

Laine Chapman, Luke Karlas, Abigail Law, Madison Vieth, Jenae Wright: Charles A. Wentz, Jr. EHS Engineering

Tyler Chrenka, Trey Dicks, Danielle Huene, Lyndsey Lankford, Logan Roever: Charles A. Wentz, Jr. Business and Science Scholarship


Charles A. Wentz, Jr. Family Scholarships:

Ashley Cook Frederick & Sophia Blume Bohm EHS Educational Scholarship

Max Brandmeyer Christian P. & Frances Kaiser Smith EHS Educational Scholarship

Nicholas McClintock William H. & Emma Smith Bohm EHS Educational Scholarship

Joshua Stout Emma D. Maria Bohm EHS Educational Scholarship

Olga Ivashyna Heinrich A. & Margaretha Roeth Wentz EHS Educational Scholarship

Michael Whaley John P. & Louisa Tschannen Sehnert EHS Educational Scholarship

Hannah Whaley Conrad A. & Louis Sehnert Wentz EHS Educational Scholarship

Ruben Benjankar Charles A. & Frances Bohm Wentz EHS Educational Scholarship

Spencer Stearns Wilbur H. Smith Bohm EHS Educational Scholarship

Charles A. Wentz, Jr. Church Scholarships:

Grace Kalb St. John's Methodist Church

Lucas Greer General Church Award

Jorden Johnson, Jillian Welsh Charles A. Wentz, Jr. EHS Student Athlete Scholarship

Kevin LeDuc Harry K. & Carol A. Windland Building Trades Scholarship in Memory of Harry E. Windland


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2022

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223



Edwardsville Community Foundation Adds Two New Board Directors


The Edwardsville Community Foundation has appointed two new board directors, Andrea Miracle and Karen Schoenthal.


Miracle has volunteered for ECF’s Education Committee for the last five years and is currently a volunteer at the Neighbors Bakery, a member of the City of Edwardsville’s Planning Commission and the Ordinance & Land Use Committee. She brings a wealth of community service experience with 20-plus years of volunteering in the community, including leadership positions at the Edwardsville Arts Center and Edwardsville High School booster clubs.


"After assisting with scholarship interviews the last few years, I was looking for an opportunity to serve the Edwardsville Community Foundation in a more meaningful and significant way," Miracle said.


Miracle currently lives in Edwardsville with her husband Trent. The couple has three children, Hannah, Ethan and Brynn. Andrea and her family have lived in Edwardsville for nearly 20 years.


Schoenthal is a local realtor and active community member. Prior to real estate, she worked for two large engineering companies in St. Louis, taught in SIUE’s Management and Marketing Department and provided marketing services for St.John’s United Methodist Church. She also has held several volunteer positions supporting booster clubs at Edwardsville

High School.


“As a long-time resident of Edwardsville, I am honored to serve on the ECF board. I look forward to being part of an organization whose mission is to benefit the residents of our great community,” Schoenthal added.


Schoenthal currently lives in Edwardsville with her husband Fred. The couple has three children, Wesley, Jacob and Alex. Karen and her family have lived in Edwardsville for over 30 years.


“On behalf of our Board of Directors, we’re so pleased to have Andrea and Karen join the Board,” Pam Farrar, Executive Director said. “Their long-standing commitment to community service, along with their professional experience, will be a great asset to ECF. Most of all, they are generous with their time to support ECF’s mission and vision.”

Andrea Miracle

(Photo Credit Rachel Gierich Photography)


Karen Schoenthal

(Photo Credit Rachel Gierich Photography)




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2022

Contact: Pamela Farrar, Executive Director

pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org

(855) 464-3223


Edwardsville Community Foundation Accepting Relief Grant Applications


Applications for grants from the Edwardsville Community Foundation’s Relief Fund are now being

accepted here on our website:


www.edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org


The deadline for receiving applications from individuals/nonprofits/businesses is March 11, 2022.

UPDATE: THE deadline for receiving applications from municipalities has been extended until April 8, 2022. 


The Edwardsville Community Foundation continues to be deeply moved by the profound and generous influx of charitable gifts following the devastating Tornado event of December 10th.


Questions related to the Relief Grant process should be directed to

relief@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org


The Edwardsville Community Foundation values trust, transparency, compassion, excellence and equity

and seeks to promote Philanthropic ideals connecting people, resources and solutions to create a lasting

impact to our shared world. The ECF will provide a Public Attestation and Disclosure after funds have

been fully distributed.

ECF Announces Plan For Distributing Funds

2/1/2022


The Edwardsville Community Foundation has been deeply moved by the profound and generous influx of financial gifts following the devastating Tornado event of December 10th.


The Edwardsville Community Foundation values trust, transparency, compassion, excellence and equity and seeks to promote Philanthropic ideals connecting people, resources and solutions to create a lasting impact to our shared world.


ECF Relief Fund Purpose Statement:

The primary purpose of the Relief Fund is to serve all members of the community by:

1. Providing assistance to individual victims in a public class of sudden and unexpected natural, manmade, and civil disasters as declared by the U.S. President, Illinois Governor, or the local governing top official. The relief fund may provide assistance in the form of funds, services, or goods to ensure that victims who are needy or in distress have the basic necessities, such as food, clothing, housing (including repairs), transportation, and medical assistance (including psychological counseling)


2. Providing assistance to organizations who are financially needy or otherwise distressed as a result of sudden and unexpected natural, manmade, and civil disasters as declared by the U.S. President, Illinois Governor, or the local governing top official.


3. Providing crisis counseling, rescue services, or emergency aid such as blankets or meals in the

immediate aftermath of a disaster without a showing of financial need.


4. Providing support to area police, fire, public service, and emergency management departments for

disaster preparedness and disaster recovery needs.


5. Meeting long-term needs of the community as determined by the Board in accordance with each event and the gifts received.


The ECF Relief Fund Task force has been diligently collecting data and information from stake holders and has developed the following Attestation of Intent stated below. ECF will offer a period of 7 days for feedback from the community and invites all feedback to be sent via email only to pam@edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org.


ECF Relief Fund Criteria and Priorities related to the December 10, 2021, event:


A.   Consistent with Relief Fund Program Statement Criteria 5:

 

 

 

B.    Consistent with Relief Fund Program Statement Criteria 4:

 

 

C.    Consistent with Relief Fund Program Statement Criteria 1:

 

D.   Consistent with Relief Fund Criteria 2:

 


The service region for the relief fund will be for those individuals and organizations located in Madison County, Illinois, with primary consideration given to needs for assistance within district 7.


Relief Grant applications will be available February 15, 2022, on our website,

www.edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org


The Edwardsville Community Foundation values trust, transparency, compassion, excellence and equity and seeks to promote Philanthropic ideals connecting people, resources and solutions to create a lasting impact to our shared world.

 

The ECF will provide a Public Attestation and Disclosure after funds have been fully distributed.

Raymond & Lucia Weber 'Pay It Forward' and Establish Scholarship at ECF

1/27/22

The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Raymond & Lucia Weber Scholarship. This $1500 award will go to a graduating senior at Edwardsville High School who will continue their education in the field of special education or the field of medicine with the plan of becoming either a special education teacher or a physician, registered nurse, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.


“As graduates of the EHS Class of 1968, thankful for having received an excellent high school education preparing us for eventual careers in Special Education and Medicine, we hope to

pay it forward by establishing this Scholarship Fund for future EHS graduates,” Raymond and Lucia Weber, fund sponsors said.


“We are pleased to offer this new award for graduating seniors at Edwardsville High School and appreciate all of our scholarship fund sponsors whose generosity allowed for $86,500 in

scholarship awards in 2021,” Pam Farrar, ECF Executive Director said.


Criteria for the award include completion of application, 2 recommendations, and a brief essay describing interest and future goals in the fields of special education or medicine.

Applicants should be ranked in the top 25% of the graduating class.


Make a Donation to the Raymond & Lucia Weber Scholarship

Raymond & Lucia Weber

The Harry K. & Carol A. Windland Building Trades Scholarship in Memory of Harry E. Windland

11/1/2021

The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Harry K. & Carol A. Windland Building Trades Scholarship in Memory of Harry E. Windland.  This $2500 award will go to a graduating senior at Edwardsville High School who will attend a technical or vocational school. ECF is proud to remember Mr. Harry E. Windland, who was known in Champaign, IL as “the man who could fix anything.”

 

Harry E. Windland (1913- 1998) was born in Mounds, IL. During the Great Depression he worked a variety of construction and mechanical jobs until the economy improved.  Except for his time as an Electrician’s Mate in the US Navy during WWII, Mr. Windland was self-employed for 25 years while becoming a master in all of the building trades. He went on to own Mounds Supply Company, a supplier of plumbing, heating and electrical materials. He ended his career in the Maintenance Department of Champaign, IL public schools, where he became the Chief Mechanic. The sponsors for this scholarship are Harry K. and Carol A. Windland, Harry E. Windland's son and daughter-in-law.

More Info 

Make a Donation to the Windland Building Trades Scholarship

Judy DeSart Remembered with Healthcare Scholarship

8/16/21  

The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Judy DeSart Memorial Healthcare Scholarship Fund.  This $1,000 award will go to a graduating senior at Edwardsville High School who will continue their education at an accredited 4-year college or university to pursue a degree in nursing, public health, social work or for admission to pharmacy school or a physical therapy program.  ECF is proud to honor DeSart by adding this award to our robust scholarship program.


Judy DeSart (1941-2020) was a registered nurse for 50 years, a profession she loved dearly.  A graduate of St. John’s School of Nursing in Springfield, IL, she moved to the Glen Carbon area in 2000 to be closer to her grandchildren. DeSart’s daughters, Amy DeSart and Lori Spangenberg, are the fund co-sponsors.

More Info

Make a Donation to the Judy DeSart Memorial Healthcare Scholarship


7/24/21 The Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) is pleased to announce the Dave Rieger Golf Scholarship. This $1,000 award will go to a graduating senior at Edwardsville High School, Father McGivney Catholic School or Metro East Lutheran High School who is a member of the girls or boys high school golf team and plans to continue school at an accredited university, college, trade or vocational school in the coming fall as a full-time student.


ECF is thrilled to offer this award for local graduates and golf athletes in memory of Mr. Dave Rieger, 1954-2020, a 1972 EHS graduate and stalwart athlete in football and baseball.

More Info 

Make a Donation to the Dave Rieger Golf Scholarship

DAVE RIEGER SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED AT ECF 

ANOTHER ROUND OF RELIEF GRANTS

ECF is pleased to announce two recent $750 grants from the ECF Relief Fund (formerly ECF Community Covid-19 Relief Fund) to Illinois Center for Autism and Safe Surroundings Refuge.  This brings the total in Covid Relief grants to $141,500.  

ECF would like to thank individual donors, ICRF (Illinois Covid-19 Relief Fund) and the St. Louis Community Foundation who have made these grants possible. 

ECF Announces Healing Illinois Library Grant Recipients

The Edwardsville Community Foundation has granted $3600 to local libraries and schools to assist in their efforts to teach children and adults about racial differences through books.  Recipients include: 


These funds were granted in partnership with the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, the Healing Illinois Initiative, and the Chicago Community Trust.  


More Covid Grants Announced by ECF


2/24/21  The Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) is pleased to announce two additional rounds of grants from ECF’s Community Covid-19 Relief Fund, bringing the total in Covid Relief grants to $140,000.


Complete List of Covid-19 Relief Grant Recipients:


·Boy Scouts of America·

·Challenge Unlimited, Inc.

·Collinsville Memorial Public Library Foundation

·Community Care Center Inc.

·Edwardsville Children’s Museum

·Edwardsville Neighbors

·Equipping the Called Foster and Crisis Closet

·Glen-Ed Pantry

·Goshen Market Foundation

·Hope Clinical Care

·Ilinois Center for Autism

·Lincoln School Alumni Foundation

·Main Street Community Center

·Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church

·Pathways Counseling

·Residential Options, Inc. 

·Riverbend Family Ministries

·Safe Surroundings Refuge d/b/a Refuge

·Serving Area Kids-SAK

·St. John’s Community Care Center

·St. John UCC HHH Summer Camp

·Trailhead Church

More Information on latest Covid grants

New Scholarship Honors the L.J. and Faye E. Burrus Family

10/27/20 The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the L.J. and Faye E. Burrus Family Scholarship. This new scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior from Edwardsville High School who plans to pursue a degree in the field of exercise physiology, exercise science or human/sports performance related fields. More Information

ECF's Community Covid-19 Relief Fund announces $128,000.00 in grants for Covid-19 Relief for area nonprofits. ECF recently received two relief grants:  a $100,000 Illinois Covid-19 Response Fund (ICRF) grant and a $10,000 grant from the Covid-19 Regional Response Fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation.  

ECF would like to thank individual donors, the ICRF, and The St. Louis Community Foundation who have made these grants possible. 

List of Covid-19 Grant Recipients:


THANK YOU ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION!

A coalition of foundations, businesses, and individual donors who comprise the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund awarded the Edwardsville Community Foundation a $10,000.00 grant to help our community deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

EDWARDSVILLE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WORKS WITH LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFITS TO ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY COVID RELIEF FUND.

EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Foundation is stepping forward in this time of need for those most impacted by the coronavirus and the shut down of business.

"As our community faces the unprecedented reality of the coronavirus, the Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to collaborate with the following organizations.....

EDWARDSVILLE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ESTABLISHES NEW FUND TO SUPPORT NICKEL PLATE STATION 

(Edwardsville, Ill. – September 17, 2019) The City of Edwardsville, in partnership with the Edwardsville Community Foundation, recently established the Nickel Plate Station Fund to support the restoration of the Nickel Plate Train Station. 

Read The Full Article Here 

ECF APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBER 

EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Community Foundation has announced Sue Webb as a newly-appointment board director. 

Webb currently serves as the marketing and communications director for Signature Medical Group. In that role, she is responsible for planning, developing and implementing all marketing, branding, sales and business development. 


Read The Full Article Here 

EDWARDSVILLE FOUNDATION ACCEPTING NONPROFIT GRANT APPLICATIONS 

The Edwardsville Community Foundation is inviting all local nonprofit organizations to apply for its 2019 grant cycle.

Grants are given to nonprofit organizations and groups that provide community services within District 7 boundaries. 


Read The Full Article Here