How much funding does Heather Began Memorial Education Fund provide?

Heather Began Memorial Education Fund provides $500 in funding.

When is the deadline for Heather Began Memorial Education Fund?

The funder has not published the next deadline; based on past cycles it is expected around October.

How often is Heather Began Memorial Education Fund offered?

Heather Began Memorial Education Fund runs on an annual cycle. The next deadline is expected October 6, 2026.

Heather Began Memorial Education Fund

Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation

Foundation Annual Grants for Teachers Grants for K-12 Schools

Funding Amount

$500

Deadline

Expected ~October

Based on past cycles

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Current deadline: October 6, 2026
Tracked since: April 2026

Deadlines typically fall in: October

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Overview

Geographic Scope: K-4 educators in Altamont, Illinois, and Avondale, Arizona

Focus Areas: Elementary education (grades K-4)

The Heather Began Memorial Education Fund was established by Robert and Julie Began, along with their daughter Hannah, in memory of their daughter Heather who passed away in October 2019. The fund awards grants to K-4 educators to support classroom materials and educational initiatives.

Eligibility: K-4 grade educators in Altamont, Illinois, and Avondale, Arizona

Contact Information:

Amanda Lessley, President/CEO
Phone: 217.342.4988
Email: [email protected]
Address: Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, 2201 N Willenborg St, Suite 11, PO Box 1211, Effingham, IL 62401

What Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2024

Grants in 2024: 59
Total given: $4.74M
Median grant: $10K
Range: $5,500–$3M

By dollars: North Carolina 66%, Illinois 31%, Tennessee 2%. Top recipient cities: Effingham, IL; Mattoon, IL; Robinson, IL.
52% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.