Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund

Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund is sponsored by The Community Foundation. This fund supports 501(c)(3) organizations or units of government serving youth in artistic, leadership, and humanitarian efforts.

Celebrating Samantha Otte’s spirit through support for local youth – Muddy River News Celebrating Samantha Otte’s spirit through support for local youth January 10, 2026 | By Muddy River News Representatives from groups receiving funding from The Sammy Fund met this week. - Submitted photo.

QUINCY — In honor of Samantha Otte, 29 local nonprofit organizations received grants to support programs that will positively influence the lives of hundreds of area youth through creative, leadership-focused, and humanitarian initiatives. A total of $79,500 was awarded this year from the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri.

The grant presentation took place at the Quincy YMCA, a 2026 grant recipient. Founded in late 2000, the fund continues to carry forward Samantha’s legacy and reached a meaningful milestone this year, marking 25 years of grantmaking. “On behalf of the Sammy Fund group, along with our family and friends, we are deeply grateful to all of the organizations here today working with at-risk children,” said June Otte, Samantha’s mother.

“These blessings are only possible because of the amazing efforts of so many incredible supporters, including the Sammy Fund board, Gem City Breakfast Kiwanis and countless individuals and businesses who have generously supported our mission. ” The Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund was created to celebrate the life and legacy of Samantha Otte by empowering children in our community to reach their fullest potential.

Samantha, who passed away in March 2000 at 10 years old following a liver transplant made necessary by cystic fibrosis, left a lasting impact on those who knew her. Established by her parents, Chuck and June Otte, the fund was the Community Foundation’s first donor advised fund and continues to reflect Samantha’s spirit by supporting programs that inspire growth, artistry, and hope for area youth.

“We are privileged to be able to work with the Ottes and the youth-serving non-profits in our region to see the effects of the grants from Samantha’s fund.

We are so pleased to be able to honor her memory in this way, serving other children through the variety of programs and services offered by dedicated organizations that make a difference in their lives, each and every day,” said Kent Embree, Program Officer of the Community Foundation.

Grants were awarded to the following organizations for the following projects: Wrap around services for students Birthday bags, care packages and bedding for Missouri foster kids Chaddock Children’s Foundation Equestrian Therapy funding through QUEST Stables of Quincy Puberty, Periods and Growing Up Cornerstone Foundations for Families Cornerstone’s Comprehensive Youth Services Covered Bottoms Diaper Bank Bridging the Diaper Gap in West Central Illinois Douglass Community Services Kids in Motion Program5000 Embrace Children and Families Youth Scholarship Programs Girl Scouts of Central Illinois Powering Girls’ Potential – Direct Assistance for Adams County Girl Scouts Horizons Social Services of Adams County KidzPacks Weekend Food – Spring 2026 John Wood Community College Foundation FY26 College for Life Scholarships John Wood Community College Foundation FY26 JDub Academy Scholarships Pike County Creative Arts Center Spring 2026 K-12 Semester courses Art Education in the Schools Educational Classes Support Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association Support for Quincy Area Youth Chorus & Youth Orchestra Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois HSHS St.

John’s Hospitality Cart Pathway of Hope Family Activities Hands on art lessons with Becky Hoskins The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri Child Abuse Prevention Education in Rural Schools The Legacy Theater Foundation Youth Education and Enrichment Program Transitions of Western Illinois New Swing Frame for the Transitions School United Way of Adams County, Inc. Unmet Needs Support for Children University of Illinois Extension – Adams Co Branch Office Youth and Outdoor Education West Central Child Care Connection YWCA Quincy move-in kits for families YMCA of West Central Illinois – Quincy Family YMCA The Butterfly Effect: Empowering Youth to RISE Community Foundation sammy fund Miss Clipping Out Stories to Save for Later?

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