The Turnout is the annual grantmaking initiative of the Galesburg Community Foundation. This program fosters community philanthropy by connecting donors with local nonprofit initiatives that address pressing needs in the region. The Foundation, located in Galesburg, Illinois, manages The Turnout through its Community Impact Fund, which comprises unrestricted contributions from local donors and individuals with Donor Advised Funds. Through this process, the Foundation encourages engagement among funders, community stakeholders, and nonprofits to support impactful community projects in Knox, Warren, and Henderson Counties.
The Turnout provides full funding for successful grant applicants. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit or public charities, schools, churches, and government agencies serving residents in the aforementioned counties. Applicants are required to submit detailed grant applications between May 1 and May 15. These applications must include organizational information, project goals, budget plans, and expected outcomes. The Foundation’s Grants Committee evaluates these proposals based on community impact and organizational capacity, and forwards recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval.
Grants are awarded in four primary focus areas: arts, culture, and community enhancement; health and human services; education and workforce development; and nonprofit capacity, sustainability, and reinvention. Award announcements are made in early July, and grant funds are disbursed shortly thereafter. All grantees must submit follow-up reports to demonstrate accountability and project outcomes.
The application process includes a Q&A resource to help applicants understand how to apply, what to expect if awarded, and how to differentiate among types of grants such as capacity, general operating, and programmatic grants. A downloadable PDF of the application questions is also provided for preparation purposes.
For 2024, 41 nonprofit organizations were awarded full funding. These included local groups focused on education, youth mentorship, arts, healthcare, housing, and legal aid, such as the Galesburg Community Arts Center, Prairie State Legal Services, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, among others. Each grantee received support for a specific project or program with clear community impact.
Further inquiries about The Turnout can be directed to Jillian Isaacson, Director of Grants & Programs at Galesburg Community Foundation. She is available by phone at 309.344.8898 or via email at info@yourgcf.org. The Foundation operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, at 246 E Main Street, Suite 101, Galesburg, IL 61401.
