Untold Stories Community Grants

Purpose: A discretionary grant program supporting educators who are actively promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, or those who seek to broaden DEI outreach, in their classrooms and schools.

Geographic Scope: Macon County area schools and organizations

Eligible Applicants: Educators and schools

Focus Areas:

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
• Black History and African American heritage projects
• Hispanic and immigrant outreach
• Historical education and exhibits
• Student engagement in DEI learning

Recent Awards (2024-2026):

• $20,000 to Mt. Zion High School for African American history exhibit project
• $10,000 to Decatur Parks Foundation for Juneteenth Celebration
• $5,000 to African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois for Juneteenth events
• $5,000 to Montessori Academy For Peace for field trip experience
• $2,500 to Eisenhower High School for Black History Art Exhibit
• $2,500 to CHICO for Hispanic and immigrant outreach
• $2,000 to Monticello Middle School for book project
• $2,000 to Eisenhower High School for immersion experience
• $500 to St. Teresa High School for All Voices in Action Club

Additional Support: Program receives support from Healing Illinois and The Lumpkin Family Foundation (as of 2025-2026)

Application Process

Application details not provided in available materials.

For application information, contact the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation at 217-429-3000 or nbeck@heartofillinois.org.