Supported Funds

The Schuyler County Community Foundation accepts donations and charitable funds from individuals, groups, fundraising activities, businesses, public bodies, and other charities.

The following Funds and Scholarships are active with the Foundation:

Funds

  • Astoria Homecoming Fund – Established in March 2015 to renovate the gazebo in the downtown Astoria square. Donations support local project and events.

  • The Brown/Schuyler Youth Livestock Auction Fund – Administers funds from the 4-H Livestock Auctions for both Brown County and Schuyler County, Illinois. Sponsor payments and donations received by the Fund pay awards.

  • Central Park Lighting Fund – Receive donations and pays expenses of decorating Central Park and the Square for the Christmas season each year.

  • Central Park Square Fund – Established in 2011 for improvements and maintenance of the Rushville Illinois Central Park Square and Gazebo.

  • Dohner City Parks Fund – A 2016 estate bequest of $100,000 provides income used for the maintenance of the City of Rushville parks.

  • Dr. Dohner Living Memorial Fund – Honors the lifetime of service to the area by Dr. Russell R. Dohner.  A bronze statue of Dr. Dohner was placed in the Rushville Central Park Square. Donations are used for maintenance.

  • Grow Rushville Bike Trail Fund – Paid for a feasibility study for a bicycle/walking path between the City of Rushville Scripps Park and Schuy-Rush Park. Donations support future development.

  • Grow Rushville Christmas Fund – Part of the Grow Rushville economic and community development funding for Christmas activities.

  • Grow Rushville Promotional and Marketing Fund - Funds the promotional and marketing economic development needs for area businesses and activities.

  • Grow Rushville Running Fund – Local economic development Fund used to sponsor running and fitness events in the community.

  • Hope Blooms Fund – Provides medical grants to current cancer patients residing in portions of Schuyler, Brown, Cass, Fulton, or McDonough Counties in Illinois.

  • Horses with Wings Fund – Pays the operating expenses of Horses with Wings, a licensed Spirit Horse Therapeutic Center in Rushville, offering free services to physically/mentally challenged children ages 3 to 17 to learn to lead, groom, saddle, and ride a horse.

  • Littleton Community Fund – Established in 2023 to provide financial and community assistance for the Village of Littleton and Littleton Township through economic development, as well as community development, buildings, and events.

  • Lydda Heritage Project Fund – Established in 2022 to facilitate projects to maintain and/or restore the cemetery and landmarks at the site of an early German settlement known as Lydda, which is located in the western part of Cass County, Illinois.

  • Pandora’s Playhouse Fund – Pandora’s Playhouse joined the Foundation in 2024 and seeks to foster, promote, and increase the public knowledge and appreciation of arts and culture in Schuyler County, Illinois through theater.

  • Physical Activity Fund – The Foundation has discretion to use the money to promote physical activities among youth and adults.

  • Rocket Boosters Club Fund – Administers memorial gifts and endowments supporting Schuyler Industry District #5 athletic activities and organizations, grades 5 through 12.

  • Rushville Little League Fund – Rushville Little League joined the Foundation in 2023 and supports baseball, softball, and other sporting, athletic, and charitable events and activities in Rushville and Schuyler County.

  • Rushville Public Library Fund – Funds are used towards library equipment, landscaping, activities, and supplies.

  • Rushville Rotary Fund – Established to honor and support activities favored by the late Dr. Russell R. Dohner.

  • Schuyler County 1st Responders Fund – Seeks to provide financial assistance to entities administering emergency assistance providers, including law enforcement officers, medical service members, and firefighters, both volunteer and career providers.

  • Schuyler County Economic Development Commission (SCEDC) Fund – Established in 2022 to promote community growth, economic development, and enhance the socio-economic position of Schuyler County and its residents.

  • Schuyler County Fair Fund – This fund supports the development and activities of the Schuyler County Fair and Fairground.

  • Schuyler County Historic Preservation Courthouse Fund – Established in June, 2012 for historic restoration and beautification of the 1881 Schuyler County Courthouse.

  • Scripps Park Historic Preservation Fund – Established in 2012 with an initial gift from the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation for restoration of the Virginia Community Building, Scripps Cottages, and Scripps Park in Rushville.

  • Schuyler County Health Department Dental Clinic Fund – Established to create a Dental Health Clinic.

  • Schuyler County Humane Society Capital Fund – Established in 2023 to provide a vehicle for fundraising and investment for the Schuyler County Humane Society.

  • Schuyler Veterans Homes Fund – Established in 2023 to provide independent, temporary housing to military veterans in need of secure housing.

  • Scripps Park Pool Fund – To repair and renovate the local public swimming pool.

  • Scripps Park Walking Path Fund – Created a park walking trail in 2009. Donations support maintenance.

  • The Schuyler County Bi-Centennial Fund – Established in 2018 by the remaining members of the Schuyler County Bi-Centennial Commission. The account holds proceeds from the local 1976 celebration for future celebrations.

Scholarships

  • The Arthur, Carrie, and Mardell Hinners Memorial Scholarship – Sponsored by the Schuyler Jail Museum to award scholarships annually to a high school senior and a current PT/FT college student, who reside in Schuyler County, Illinois.

  • Astoria Alumni Association Fund – Created in 2017 by local organizations and individuals to support Astoria IL school activities, provide scholarships, and promote alumni events.

  • Class of 1975 Memorial Scholarship Fund – The largest graduating class of Rushville High School created this fund to provide scholarships to graduating Seniors of Rushville-Industry High School.

  • Donna Dace Stephens Fund – This permanent endowment provides four-year scholarships for Rushville Industry High School graduates pursuing a bachelor's degree in education.

  • Joshua Phillips Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund – Established in May 2011 in loving memory of Joshua Phillips to provide annual scholarships to senior athletes at Rushville Industry High School pursuing higher education.

  • Karen Kay McCombs Future Educators Scholarship Fund – Established in 2021 to honor the memory of the late Karen Kay McCombs, by providing scholarships to Junior, Senior, or Post-Graduate Education Majors attending Western Illinois University or Monmouth College.

  • Late Knight Cruisers Car Club Scholarship Fund – Provides financial assistance to graduating seniors of designated high schools, pursuing higher education in auto mechanic technology, diesel tractor technology, auto body repair, and approved vocational fields.

  • Ramon Escapa Scholarship Fund – Established in 2022 to honor the memory of the late Judge Ramon Escapa, by providing scholarships to graduating Seniors of Rushville-Industry High School and Beardstown High School.

  • Roger's Bakery Culinary Arts Scholarship – Established by Roger Wrench for Rushville Industry High School seniors pursuing higher education in culinary arts and baking.

  • Rozane Williams Scholarship Fund – Established under the last Will of Rozane M. Williams. For scholarships to graduates of Brown County (Illinois) CUSD who are members of the Future Farmers of America pursuing postsecondary education.