The Community Foundation of Macon County
The Community Foundation of, based in Decatur, Illinois, is a public charity that operates as the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. It serves Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt Counties, supporting charitable giving, nonprofit organizations, and initiatives intended to strengthen the region.
Key facts about The Community Foundation of Macon County
In short: The Community Foundation of Macon County gave $7.2M across 152 grants in 2025 (avg $48K), mostly in Illinois. 29% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 37-1372729
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $7,241,214
- Grants made (2025)
- 152
- Average grant
- $47,640
- Median grant
- $12,866
- New grantees (estimate)
- 29% first-time grantees (44 of 152, 2025)
- Total assets
- $62,618,001
- Primary geography
- Illinois (74% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Deadline
- The 2026 CommunityWorks Letter of Intent deadline was August 21 at 5 p.m.; invited full applications were due…
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$62.6M
+6.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$7.2M
+26.1% YoY
Grant Count
152
+5.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$48K
+19.4% YoY
Is The Community Foundation of Macon County open to new grantees?
29%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 44 of 152 grantees (29%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $28K; repeat grants $56K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $21K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s 2024 filing states its mission is to connect donors’ philanthropic goals with the needs of Macon County and, through leadership and community engagement, identify and address those needs. Its website describes its mission as transforming the region by empowering donor generosity, celebrating legacy, and stewarding charitable resources.
The foundation identifies education, environmental stewardship, and workforce development as strategic grantmaking priorities. Its filing also describes human-services work and education initiatives, including support for preschool and literacy programs, youth leadership, and public-school college-preparation programs.
Grantees in 2024 included organizations whose stated missions cover a range of needs. Heritage Behavioral Health Center says it provides affordable treatment for emotional, mental, and addictive disorders and promotes behavioral health in the greater Macon County area. Millikin University describes its mission as delivering educational excellence and preparing students for professional success and democratic citizenship. Northeast Community Fund says it collects food and clothing and helps community members with expenses such as utilities, medical costs, rent, and transportation. Decatur Area Arts Council says it works to develop opportunities for and appreciation of cultural activities.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 144 grants totaling $5,743,694. Grant amounts ranged from $5,150 to $410,000, with a median of $20,000. The largest reported awards included $410,000 to Heights Foundation, $346,249 to Heritage Behavioral Health Center, $228,494 to Millikin University, $201,894 to DOVE, and $178,015 to Northeast Community Fund. The filing lists each of these grants’ purpose as operations.
Review Cycle
The 2026 CommunityWorks Letter of Intent deadline was August 21 at 5 p.m.; invited full applications were due September 23.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from The Community Foundation of Macon County
2026 Microgrant Program
The Community Foundation of Macon County
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
CFMC: Microgrants Grant
The Community Foundation of Macon County
Amount
Up to US $1,500
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Untold Stories Community Grants
The Community Foundation of Macon County
Amount
Varies (recent awards: $500 - $20,000)
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with The Community Foundation of Macon County?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation identifies Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt Counties as its service area and says its grantmaking, fund development, and community initiatives are concentrated there. Its 2024 grant dollars were distributed primarily to Illinois recipients (76%), followed by Florida (12%), California (4%), Missouri (4%), and Minnesota (2%).
Some program eligibility extends beyond the three counties: the Impact200 program lists organizations in Macon, Piatt, or Moultrie Counties or Paris, Illinois, as eligible.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 152 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $3.5M (2020) to $7.2M (2025). In 2025 it made 152 grants totaling $7.2M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Heritage Behavioral Health Center ($1.4M). Together the top 10 received $3.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
633 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 491 grants of 633 (78%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Behavioral Health Center Decatur, IL | Operations | $1,356,141 |
| University of Minnesota Foundation Minneapolis, MN | Operations | $565,000 |
| YMCA Clinton Clinton, IL | Operations | $500,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of IL Chicago, IL | Operations | $262,196 |
| Encore Development Center Clinton, IL | Operations | $200,000 |
| Decatur Public Schools Decatur, IL | Operations | $156,000 |
| Richland Community College Foundati Decatur, IL | Operations | $143,631 |
| Decatur Area Arts Council Decatur, IL | Operations | $129,758 |
| Northeast Community Fund Decatur, IL | Operations | $126,300 |
| Hope Lutheran Church Palm Desert, CA | Operations | $126,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $58,946,288 | $7,036,069 | $7,423,180 | $5,743,694 |
| 2023 | $56,344,851 | $12,139,284 | $5,512,638 | $3,954,855 |
| 2022 | $45,524,904 | $4,461,775 | $5,286,410 | $3,891,980 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $62,618,001 | $58,946,288 | $56,344,851 |
| Revenue | $10,884,983 | $7,036,069 | $12,139,284 |
| Expenses | $9,522,849 | $7,423,180 | $5,512,638 |
| Net Investment Income | $5,240,240 | $3,085,149 | $1,068,127 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS June 30, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 21, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Natalie Beck as president and Kris Lutt as chair. It also lists Michele Batman as vice president and the following board members: Lindsey Craycraft, Steve Grohne, Michelle Gross, Dr. Perry Guaglianone, Kara Demirjian Huss, Rich Kaczynski, and Anthony Nestler.
The Community Foundation of Macon County is led by Natalie Beck, CEO since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 2 of 16 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Natalie Beck
CEO
President → CEO, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$108K (2020) → $173K (2025)
Dana Ray
Chair
Secretary → Vice Chair, 2024
Vice Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michele Batman
COO
Vice President → COO, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$95K (2021) → $125K (2025)
Duane Noland
Vice Chair
Board Member → Treasurer, 2024
Treasurer → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kris Lutt
Board Member
Vice Chair → Chair, 2024
Chair → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matt Samuels
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rich Kaczynski
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tony Wilkins
Secretary
Board Member → Treasurer, 2021
Treasurer → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anthony Nestler
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Perry Guaglianone
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Grohne
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jill Reedy
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lindsey Craycraft
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Gross
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cordell Ingram
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Linda Carolton-Huber
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: Kara Demirjian Huss (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Kendall Briscoe (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Lindsey Shelton (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Cathy Mansur (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Funk (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Lisa Holder White (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Najiba Benabess (2020–2021) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $173K, to Natalie Beck (CEO). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 101 S Main St Ste 400, Decatur, IL 62523
Phone: (217) 429-3000
Website: https://heartofillinois.org
Frequently asked questions about The Community Foundation of Macon County
How much does The Community Foundation of Macon County give each year?
The Community Foundation of Macon County gave $7.2M across 152 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $5.7M across 144 grants.
What is The Community Foundation of Macon County's typical grant size?
The Community Foundation of Macon County's median grant in 2025 was $12,866, and its average grant was $47,640, across 152 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Community Foundation of Macon County that year got $28K on average.
Where does The Community Foundation of Macon County give grants?
The Community Foundation of Macon County gives mostly in Illinois: 74% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Minnesota (8%) and Florida (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Decatur, IL (68 grants), Chicago, IL (7 grants), Sanibel, FL (6 grants) and Springfield, IL (6 grants).
Does The Community Foundation of Macon County give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 150 grants with a stated purpose on The Community Foundation of Macon County's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Operations" (150 grants).
Who are The Community Foundation of Macon County's largest grantees?
The Community Foundation of Macon County's largest 2025 grantees include Heritage Behavioral Health Center ($1,356,141), University of Minnesota Foundation ($565,000) and YMCA Clinton ($500,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 33% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Community Foundation of Macon County?
The Community Foundation of Macon County reported $62.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $10.9M.
What does The Community Foundation of Macon County fund?
The foundation’s 2024 filing states its mission is to connect donors’ philanthropic goals with the needs of Macon County and, through leadership and community engagement, identify and address those needs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Community Foundation of Macon County?
The Community Foundation of Macon County has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check heartofillinois.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Community Foundation of Macon County's EIN?
The Community Foundation of Macon County's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 37-1372729. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Community Foundation of Macon County by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Community Foundation of Macon County's focus areas in our free grants database
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