Untold Stories Grant

The Untold Stories Grant, presented by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, aims to amplify the voices of historically underrepresented individuals in Coles County. With funding of up to $5,000 available to eligible organizations, this initiative seeks to promote racial equity and social justice by documenting and sharing these vital narratives. By fostering collaboration and reciprocal education, the grant supports projects that enhance community understanding and ensure the visibility of marginalized stories.

The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation proudly introduces the Untold Stories grant. This new initiative is designed to uplift the narratives of historically underrepresented individuals in Coles County. The opportunity is extended to organizations within the region, aiming to shed light on the rich tapestry of our community through these often-overlooked stories.
The Untold Stories grant is not just about uncovering the past but also contributing significantly to the ongoing dialogue surrounding racial equity and social justice. By embracing and acknowledging these narratives, we seek to enrich our understanding of history while fostering a more equitable future.
The fund is open to various institutions, including churches, colleges, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Grants, with an average award of $5,000, can be utilized for initiatives that focus on the preservation, education, and dissemination of stories related to underrepresented individuals within the community. A genuine understanding begins with reciprocal education and learning from one another. Collaborative efforts are crucial, capturing dialogue, sharing resources, and creating platforms for underrepresented voices. Through these funds, we aim to document and ensure the visibility of these narratives within the region.
The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation continues to take a leadership role in fostering and encouraging this crucial work.
Funding
The average grant award is $5,000, and a total of $20,000 is available. If the volume of grant requests exceeds the available funding, not all eligible organizations will receive funding, and the level of funding may vary.

Eligibility

Applicants must fall under one of the following categories: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, an exempt governmental unit (schools, fire departments, police departments, municipalities), or an organization with a charitable purpose. Organizations with a fiscal sponsorship agreement with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization are also eligible.Successful grantees will share these characteristics:A commitment to understanding and addressing stories of underrepresented individuals previously unknown.Alignment with a larger movement for social change, actively working towards bringing these stories to light.