2026 Women's Fund Success Grants

2026 Women's Fund Success Grants is sponsored by Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI). Available to organizations with programs aligned to CFCI's grantmaking principles and areas of focus, including Children & Youth, Community Improvement, Education, Health, Human Services, and Workforce Development.

Women's Fund - Community Foundation of Central Illinois Women's Fund - Community Foundation of Central Illinois To date, the Women’s Fund has awarded more than 170 grants totaling over half a million dollars, helping create lasting change throughout the region.

About the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois Since 1993, the Women’s Fund has been a driving force in empowering women and girls across central Illinois. What began as a visionary effort to unite 1,000 women each contributing $1,000 to create a million-dollar endowment has evolved, yet the core goal has remained steadfast. We are thrilled to report that the Women’s Fund endowment now exceeds $1.

5 million. This incredible achievement has been made possible by the collective generosity of over 200 Founding Members and a transformational gift of more than $300,000 from one individual Founding Member. With this endowment, the Women’s Fund will provide over $60,000 in annual grants, forever supporting initiatives that uplift and advocate for women and girls.

Our 2026 Women’s Fund Leader Luncheon Award Winners Business/Professions Award – Kim Martin Community Service Award – Kim Armstrong Health Care/Wellness Award – Jeanette Murray Arts Award – Jenny Parkhurst Education Award – Karen Zuckerman Emerging Leader Award – Corinne Olson Young Woman’s Service Award – Olivia Atkins, Manual High School A Leader Luncheon to Remember!

“Power does come from money, and women do control much of the money in this country. ” A Legacy of Leadership and Vision Founded in 1993 by Pat Barton and key collaborators Donna Haerr, Deb Ritschel, and Jay Goldberg, the Fund was established to promote female philanthropy and amplify the voices and needs of women. Today, women’s influence and financial strength continue to grow, along with opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Yet, less than 5% of charitable contributions go toward programs specifically for women and girls. Congratulations, Cindy Fischer Congratulations to Cindy Fischer on being honored with the 2026 Legacy of Leadership Award by the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois.

This prestigious award celebrates Cindy’s lifelong dedication to the Peoria community, from her decades of transformative leadership in Peoria Public Schools and Quest Charter Academy to her impactful tenure as Executive Director of Crittenton Centers. Through her visionary service and the establishment of the Cindy and Bill Fischer Charitable Fund, she has built a lasting legacy of opportunity and care for others.

We are proud to recognize Cindy for her unwavering commitment to making central Illinois a better place for all. Invest in Women, Invest in the Future When women prosper, communities thrive. That’s why the Women’s Fund is calling on supporters to elevate women and girls in their philanthropic priorities.

Whether you’re giving $10 or $10,000, every gift matters. Donors who contribute $1,000 or more over time are recognized as Founding Members. Together, we can build an even stronger foundation for the next 30 years and beyond.

2025 Women’s Fund Success Grant Recipients 2026 Grant Applications Open in July Center for Prevention of Abuse PreventEd: Relationship Abuse Hult Center for Healthy Living Empowering Young Girls Through Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Education Girl Scouts of Central Illinois Level Up-Girl Scouts in Schools Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank Empowering Periods: Breaking the Cycle of Period Poverty Distillery Labs MakerSpace | MakeHerSpace Living To Serve Foundation Health Fairs for Low Income and Minority Women Women’s Fund Advisory Board Mae Gilliland Wright – Chair Ellen Corbin – Vice Chair Allison Gottwald – Treasurer & Secretary Questions about the Women’s Fund?

Please contact Sarah Fletcher, VP of Philanthropy: