ROCHELLE – The Rochelle Area Community Foundation (RACF) recently announced that it has granted nearly $140,000 back into the community, supporting 34 nonprofit partners. The grants were awarded at RACF’s Granting Futures event, hosted April 24 at Luna. 

"The impact that this makes on our community will be felt for many years," Emily Anaya, RACF executive director, said. "These deserving nonprofits work tirelessly to provide services, programs, and projects that positively impact those in greatest need."

This year's grant cycle was highly competitive, with a total of 37 applications received. 

"This year was extremely competitive," Terry Dickow, grants committee chairman, said. "We were thrilled to see such a high level of interest and quality from local organizations, and we're honored to support their work."

Ashley Jackson, RACF board president, praised the efforts of the local nonprofits. 

"The dedication and commitment of these organizations are remarkable,” Jackson said. “We are delighted to provide funding to help them continue their vital work in our community."

RACF remains dedicated to its mission of fostering a thriving and prosperous community through philanthropy. By supporting local nonprofits, the foundation helps to ensure that Rochelle and the surrounding areas continue to grow and flourish.

For more information about the RACF and its work in the community, please visit rochellefoundation.org.

Here is a list of all the grants awarded for the 2024 community needs grants.

Designated funds

The Ron “Stony” Stonebraker Police and Fire Memorial Fund is designated to the Rochelle Police Department and Rochelle Fire Department to use at their discretion. This year the fund totaled $767 that is split between both departments. Every year this fund continues to grow and will forever support these two departments. 

The Livingston Bible Church Scholarship Fund granted out $4,900 in support of furthering education for our youth. Thank you to the Livingston Family and all they do.

The Dual Language Educators Scholarship Fund granted $1,000 to further education in support of the district's Dual Language Education program through the Elementary School District. 

Donor-advised Funds

4C-Community Coordinated Child Care - Books for the Community in the amount of $500.

String Program in the amount of $741 funded by the Tyler “Smitty” Smith Memorial Fund.

Christian Food Pantry’s Protein Promotion program which was fully funded in the amount of $15,000. The Jacobs Family Fund provided $3,215 in combination with an anonymous donor-advised fund in the amount of $11,785.

Flagg-Rochelle Public Library for their Homeschooling Extravaganza in the amount of $3,190. $580 was funded by the Empowering the Community Fund and the remaining $2,610 by the RACF Endowment Fund.

Chana Education Center’s Collaborating Through Hands-On Learning in the amount of $3,636.46. The Steve Pfeiffer Memorial Fund gave $1,000 in support of this program with $2,636 coming from RACF Endowment Fund.

Chana Education Center’s Grief Kits in the amount of $520 which was honored to have fully funded by the Ed and Ann Rice Giving Fund. 

RTHS Alumni Association for RTHS Alumni Association scholarships in the amount of $5,000. The Tobler Family Fund supported with $563 in combination with an anonymous donor-advised fund in the amount of $4,437.

Vince Carney Community Theatre - Presents Us VCCT in the amount of $3,500 funded by the HP "Jim" Walker Memorial Endowment Fund in the amount of $2,000 in combination with the RACF Endowment Fund in the amount of $1,500.

Shining Star Children's Advocacy Center for Healthy Minds and Healthy Bodies in the amount of $3,330, of which $380 was funded by the Tom Hall Giving Fund, $1,358 from the Youth in Philanthropy Fund, and $1,592 from the RACF Endowment Fund. 

Rochelle Rescue Mission - Keeping persons in Rochelle and surrounding areas safe, warm, and comforted in the amount of $8,350 is funded by an anonymous donor-advised fund. 

Foundation for Focus House and Community Programming- "All Program Book Read' in the amount of $4,000 of which $1,590 was funded by the Berg-Burkholder Family Fund, $1,290 from the Inspire Learning fund, $1,120 from the RACF Endowment Fund.

Field of interest funds

Sinnissippi Centers, Inc. for the Rochelle Office Improvement Project in the amount of $13,028. $456 came from the Kay and Jim Beardin Community Fund, $383 from the Disaster Preparedness Fund, and $12,189 from the RACF Endowment Fund.

Rochelle Elementary School District #231 for Supportive Student Social Emotional Learning Through Adult Professional Development in the amount of $4,623 of which $643.22 is funded by the Hintzsche-Hinkston Classroom Support Fund and $3,979.78 is from the RACF Endowment Fund.   

Northern Illinois Food Bank for their Mobile Markets Program in the amount of $7,500 funded by the Rochelle Hunger Fund.    

Habitat For Humanity of Ogle County for Habitat 2024 Housing Repairs & Mobility Projects in the amount of $4,500 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund. 

Girl Scouts of Northern IL for the Hispanic Engagement in Girl Scout Leadership Excellence in the amount of $2,745 of which $880 is funded by the Jeffrey W. Cole Family Memorial and $1,865 by the RACF Endowment Fund.  

Rochelle Community Action Network - CAN Backpack in the amount of $4,398 funded by the Community Advancement Fund in the amount of $1,156 and the RACF Endowment Fund in the amount of $3,242.    

Creston-Dement Public Library - Library-Book and Media Return in the amount of $2,000 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund 

Blackhawk Area Council’s Boy Scouts of America-Leading the Way to Bright Futures - Scouting in Rochelle in the amount of $2,000 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund.  

Flagg Township Museum - Getting Down to Business in Rochelle, Chapters 2 & 3 in the amount of $3,200 funded by the Arts Enrichment Fund at $1,133 and the RACF Endowment Fund with the remaining total of $2,067. 

Village of Progress, Inc.- Community Day Services Program - whiteboard in the amount of $3,400 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund. 

Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival - Kid’s zone, the strolling entertainment, and the free main stage entertainment in the amount of $1,500 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund. 

Liberty Village of Rochelle-Activities Department in the amount of $2,500 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund. 

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois - Lincoln Manor Affordable Housing in the amount of $2,500 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund 

HOPE of Ogle County - Painting to Create a Calm and Sustainability Project in the amount of $1,677 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund. 

Hub City Senior Center - Fitness at the Hub in the amount of $1,000 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund. 

Steward United Methodist Church - After Class Enrichment in the amount of $1,750 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund.

Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery - Rochelle Recovery Center in the amount of $2,000 funded by the Human Services Fund in the amount of $1,820 and the RACF Endowment Fund in the amount of $180. 

Creston Booster Club-Quiet Our House project in the amount of $1,500 funded by the RACF Endowment Fund.