The Mary Ridder Cherny Fund is administered by the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area. This foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the region through philanthropic initiatives. The Fund honors Mary Agnes Ridder Cherny, a talented musician and passionate educator who played multiple instruments, including the piano, violin, oboe, and cornet. With a degree in music education, she devoted her life to teaching music, accompanying students, and performing in various ensembles. Following her passing in 2005 due to cancer, her family established this fund to preserve her legacy and support youth involvement in the performing arts.
The primary objective of the Mary Ridder Cherny Fund is to provide financial assistance to encourage and support participation in performing arts among students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This includes both public and parochial schools in Quincy, Illinois. The fund is also open to broader applications from other organizations that align with the mission of supporting youth in the performing arts.
Eligible grant expenditures include, but are not limited to, student talent or merit awards, lesson fees, workshop participation, rental or purchase of instruments, and acquisition of music, scripts, or related items. This flexible use of funds ensures that students facing financial barriers can still engage meaningfully in the arts.
Applications for the grant are made available online beginning March 31, with a submission deadline of June 1. Grant awards are announced and distributed by early September. All interested applicants are encouraged to visit the foundation’s website for application materials and further instructions.
The foundation can be contacted at their office on 621 Vermont Street, Quincy, Illinois 62301. Additional inquiries can be directed via phone at 217-222-1237 or email at info@mycommunityfoundation.org.
