Rock Star Resilience
July 2020 News
2020 Leadership Institute Culminates in Coaching and Special Anniversary Grant Opportunity
Community Memorial Foundation recently offered our grantee partners a series of Leadership Institute workshops as part of an enhanced capacity building program for our 25th Anniversary. The workshops were facilitated by Fiscal Management Associates and were aimed at strengthening organizational sustainability. Organizations who attended at least two workshops and have received funding from the Foundation within the past 3 years may qualify for a special grant opportunity of $20,000 in general operating support.
Fifty-eight grantee organizations have met the eligibility criteria for the special anniversary grant, and must now submit a Resilience Plan and budget demonstrating how they intend to use the funding to improve financial resilience and increase sustainability. The budget must demonstrate the organization’s intent to fully fund the plan and, as such, each grantee must match the Foundation’s grant with $5,000 of its own funds. Applications for the special grant opportunity are due on August 15th and must be submitted online.
Fiscal Management Associates is also hosting complimentary coaching sessions for grantees seeking to review their resilience plans prior to submittal. Limited sessions remain for dates extending through mid-August. You may register for a one-hour, virtual session here.
Regional Rock Stars Inspire with Acts of Kindness, Hope and Gratitude
For the past three months, Community Memorial Foundation and our partners have celebrated a select group of “Regional Rock Stars” — the west suburban neighbors, colleagues and friends who are making a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These are the stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things. Highlights include a pair of Lyons Township High School seniors who created an online space for their classmates to celebrate college decisions; a restaurant owner who has donated over $2,000 in support meals to the homeless; and an artist who creates drawings of people’s homes to raise money for BEDS Plus.
“During this unprecedented time, we have experienced extraordinary acts of kindness, courage and service in our region,” said Greg DiDomenico, President & CEO of Community Memorial Foundation (CMF). “Together with our partners, CMF is thrilled to recognize the neighbors and leaders who inspire us to be our best selves – congratulations to the Regional Rock Stars!”
The Regional Rock Stars is a collaborative effort by AMITA Health, Community Memorial Foundation, Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, West Central Municipal Conference and the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry. We hope to recognize individuals at a community celebration at the end of the year.
Letters of Intent for the fall grant cycle are due August 15
Letters of Intent for the Foundation’s fall grant cycle must be completed online before 5:00pm CST on Saturday, August 15th.
Organizations must submit an online letter of intent (LOI) if any of the following apply:
- The organization has never received a program or general operating grant from Community Memorial Foundation
- The organization has not received a program or general operating grant from Community Memorial Foundation in the past three years
- The organization intends to request more than $25,000 from the Foundation
Requests that do not meet the above criteria are not required to submit a letter of intent and may simply submit an online application.
Seeking Part-Time Project Manager for The HUB
Community Memorial Foundation and our partners – Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, Healthy Communities Foundation and River Forest Township – are seeking a Project Manager for The HUB, a free, digital resource directory and referral platform.
The Project Manager will guide the implementation of The HUB’s roadmap, designed to strengthen and expand community access to a wide range of health and human services to help people lead healthy, full and resilient lives. Applications will be accepted through August 15, 2020 or until the position is filled.