The Young Philanthropists giving circle at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln has announced Motherland Gardens Community Project as the recipient of its 19th annual grant award.
The 2024 grant of $10,000 will be used to expand the “From Seeds to Table “ program to year-round, helping to empower Springfield’s underserved youth with continuous education in gardening, cooking, and entrepreneurship.
The mission of Motherland Gardens Community Project is to promote community resilience, cultural enrichment, and emotional growth through a holistic and community-centered approach. With a focus on underserved and historically marginalized neighborhoods, including East Springfield, their work is rooted in civic engagement and creating lasting bonds across diverse populations.
“Once again, the Young Philanthropists Grant Committee was tasked with reviewing many impressive grant proposals submitted by outstanding organizations that serve children across the community,” said Stacy Reed, chief program officer at the Community Foundation. “Motherland Gardens Community Project stood out this year because of its engagement with local teen mentors and its focus on critical life skills development.”
Launched in 2006, Young Philanthropists invigorates community leaders to join together to be philanthropists and to learn more about themselves as donors. By leveraging annual contributions of $150 per person, Young Philanthropists members have steadily built an endowment at the Community Foundation called the Future Fund to support local charities serving children and youth. More than $170,000 has been awarded to local organizations since the giving circle’s inception.
Nonprofits serving children in Sangamon County can apply for the Young Philanthropists grant each October through the Community Foundation’s web site www.CFLL.org. Organizations are also encouraged to visit the web site to sign up to receive alerts when funding opportunities become available.
Through philanthropic services, strategic grantmaking and community leadership, the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln “connects people who care with causes that matter.”
Contact:
Stacy Reed
reed@cfll.org
