Do Something Great Awards - The Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year Grant

Do Something Great Awards - The Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Heart of Illinois Community Foundation
Last Updated: March 16, 2026

Summary

The Do Something Great Awards, presented by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, recognize extraordinary individuals who have significantly impacted Macon County through their dedication and service. This award, specifically honoring the Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year, celebrates professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community support, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic. Renamed in memory of Ray Batman, a revered community leader, the award continues to inspire others to contribute to societal betterment.

Overview

Macon County Opportunities Collaboration, connections and promotion. We help raise the tide for our nonprofit partners. The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is a grantmaking public charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in Central Illinois. We bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties. Do Something Great Awards The Do Something Great awards program honors remarkable individuals who’ve made a significant impact through their generosity, skills and dedication to transforming Macon County. The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) has sponsored this program for the past 22 years. The Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award presented to an individual paid professional who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, dedication and talent toward helping society. Additional criteria could include description of achievements specific to providing community assistance during the pandemic. In 2021, this annual award was renamed in memory of the late Ray Batman, longtime executive director of Dove, Inc. Batman was well known throughout the local area as a servant-leader, mentor and community hero whose actions made a positive difference in our community in numerous ways. He died unexpectedly in June 2021.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. An individual paid professional who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, dedication and talent toward helping society. This may include (but is not limited to) executive directors, directors of development, program directors and support staff. Please share highlights of the nominee's specific contributions and which award you're nominating them for. Please provide details about their community involvement, the impact of their work, and how they embody the award's criteria. 2026 honorees will be announced in February.