Southeastern Illinois CF: Heather Began Memorial Education Fund Grant

The Heather Began Memorial Education Fund, established by Robert and Julie Began in memory of their daughter Heather, supports K-5 educators in Altamont, Illinois, and Tempe, Arizona. This fund aims to enhance classroom experiences through grants of $500. Heather's legacy as a dedicated teacher inspires the initiative, which seeks to empower educators to foster creativity and learning in their classrooms.

Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation’s mission is to "cultivate philanthropy to build better communities." We carry out this mission by helping individuals, families and organizations make permanent charitable investments for the long-term benefit of their hometowns. We invite you to learn more about how we are serving the people of southeastern Illinois and hope you are inspired by the work of our governing board, donors, and professional advisors who are making a difference in our communities.
Fall Education Cycle: Heather Began Memorial Education Fund
Robert and Julie Began, along with their daughter, Hannah, established the Heather Began Memorial Education Fund in memory of their daughter, Heather. The fund will offer a grant opportunity to K-5 educators at Altamont Elementary School, Altamont, Illinois, Rover Elementary School in Tempe, AZ, Ballard Nature Center in Altamont, Illinois, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix, AZ.
Heather passed away on October 5, 2019, in Phoenix, Arizona, as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She was 25 years old. Heather, a graduate of Altamont High School, was a first-grade teacher at Estrella Vista Elementary in Avondale, Arizona.
Heather was able to fulfill her dream of teaching young students before her life was cut short. Now her parents want to carry on Heather’s legacy by helping elementary teachers enhance their classrooms through grants from the Heather Began Memorial Fund.

Eligibility

Must be a K-5th Grade classroom teacher for Altamont Grade School, Rover Elementary School, Ballard Nature Center or Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center. Grants will be $500.