Crete Creative Gallery and School in Crete, IL, focuses on the importance of culture and the arts being accessible to everyone. Emphasis is placed on fostering a welcoming exhibition and education environment and encouraging a deeper connection to the arts. Crete Creative orchestrates showcases and exhibits and provides classes for all ages, offering a platform for creativity and connection to the arts.

The mission of Hope 4 Horses located in Effingham, IL, is to rescue, rehabilitate and shelter neglected and abused equines with the hope of adopting them to quality homes. Hope 4 Horses is run solely by volunteers and relies on donations to carry out its work. In addition to tending to vulnerable equines, Hope 4 Horses emphasizes the importance of educating the public on proper horse care and treatment.

The Gibson Area Food Pantry in Gibson, IL, is dedicated to providing food and other household necessities to individuals and families in need in Ford County and the Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley School District. The Pantry holds bi-monthly food distributions, provides deliveries to disabled or elderly individuals and also operates a Summer Backpack Program, providing weekly food to families in need. The pantry assists in connecting individuals with other community resources when needed.

Located on 41 acres in Neoga, IL, Camp New Hope provides summer camp, respite weekends and special events for individuals with special needs. The programs offered through Camp New Hope provide fun, companionship and activity to people of all ages with various disabilities. The camp campus is safe, serene and accessible with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor recreation options for participants.

United Way of Danville Area serves Vermilion County, IL, and Fountain and Warren Counties, IN, and is committed to strengthening communities with a focus on the pillars of Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security and Community Resiliency. For over 96 years, United Way of Danville has been responding to community needs and working to improve access to education, health and financial stability. United Way of Danville provides funding to 20 partner organizations and programs, increasing impact and addressing the greatest needs in the community.

Northern Illinois Food Bank provides nutritious food and resources with dignity, equity and convenience throughout 13 counties in Illinois, working with over 900 food pantries, mobile food truck markets and soup kitchens who distribute the food. In addition to providing food to partners, Northern Illinois Food Bank developed and operates an on-line food pantry, runs a neighborhood market and coordinates senior grocery and child nutrition programs. Northern Illinois Food Bank provides 250,000 meals per day guided by the vision that everyone in Northern Illinois should have the food they need to thrive.

The mission of the Conservation Foundation is to improve the health of communities by preserving and restoring open space and natural lands, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship in northeastern Illinois. As one of the region’s oldest and largest conservation organizations, the Conservation Foundation focuses its work in multiple counties with the preservation of more than 35,000 acres of open space. The Foundation believes that every person deserves clean water and air, healthy food and safe access to nature.

The mission of the Conservation Foundation is to improve the health of communities by preserving and restoring open space and natural lands, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship in northeastern Illinois. As one of the region’s oldest and largest conservation organizations, the Conservation Foundation focuses its work in multiple counties with the preservation of more than 35,000 acres of open space. The Foundation believes that every person deserves clean water and air, healthy food and safe access to nature.

Vermillion Advantage is the result of the Economic Development Corporation and the Danville, IL, Chamber of Commerce merging with the goal of working for businesses to enhance quality of life, successful business and retail climate and general welfare of Danville and Vermillion County residents. Vermillion Advantage assists local non-profits and focuses on the areas of community development, retention, growth, networking and workforce development. Vermillion Advantage runs Leadership Tomorrow, a community leadership program with the mission of challenging the next generation of leaders to shape the future of the community.

The Cumberland County Extension Education Building Association (CCEEBA) was established to provide and promote educational programs and activities with the mission of providing a community facility focused on agriculturally based programs and a youth livestock center for residents of Cumberland County, IL, and the surrounding areas. The Event Center and Livestock Building are located in Toledo, IL, and house a variety of private and community events. A central space for 4-H, FFA and other community organizations that help youth grow into successful adults is a main source of motivation for this project.

Neoga Partnership for Progress strives to bring the community together through philanthropic work and community events. The organization works to create a more vibrant community through projects like the beautification of downtown Neoga. Neoga Partnership for Progress encourages opportunities to build moral within the community, support one another and highlight the strengths of the town.

Heartland Community College has campuses in Normal, Lincoln and Pontiac, IL, and seeks to provide accessible, inclusive and innovative learning opportunities that enrich the community and encourage student achievement. Heartland strives to be a valuable community resource and promotes partnerships and life-long learning. Heartland Community College is dedicated to creating new programs, projects and initiatives that align with the mission and meet the needs of the community.

The purpose of the Gibson City Restoration Association is to repair/restore historical buildings in the City of Gibson, IL. The association shares information and works to create an understanding and appreciation of historical buildings. Fundraising efforts by the Restoration Association are focused on purchasing and restoration of the former Loys/Burwell Opera House in downtown Gibson City.

The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for the Village of Crete, IL, is responsible for coordinating emergencies and disaster mitigation in addition to partnering with the Will County Emergency Management Association, the State of Illinois, organizations, businesses and the general public on preparedness, planning, response and recovery efforts. Crete EMA accomplishes its mission through programming that includes public awareness, development of emergency plans and conducting disaster exercises. The Emergency Management Agency is a fully volunteer organization that provides assistance to Crete residents and those in neighboring communities during emergencies and times of disaster.

Gibson City Youth Baseball in Gibson City, IL,  provides area youth with the opportunity to get exercise, develop skills, learn about teamwork and discipline and enjoy being outdoors. Teams in the league start at t-ball and go through 14U level for both boys and girls. This program positively impacts many children in the community through fostering a love of participation in team sports.

Project Success is an organization in Vermillion County, IL, that empowers children and families to achieve their highest potential, so that they can become responsible and productive members of the community. Project Success operates 19 sites serving over 1,000 area children and families by providing critical services like tutoring, credit recovery and enrichment programs. Project Success is a county-wide initiative founded in the 1990s to respond to failing test scores and an increase in teen pregnancy rates by introducing more intensive afterschool programming.

The Village of Crete Fire Department has been in existence for over 125 years and answers all emergency and non-emergency calls as well as promotes safe practices through ongoing fire prevention and public education programs. The safety and education programs led by the Crete Fire Department are intended for both children and adults covering a wide variety of fire and life safety topics. The Department strives to protect the lives and property of the community.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District serves Manhattan, Peotone and Wilton Center, IL, and is committed to providing the highest quality service to communities as well as developing and nurturing community-based relationships and partnerships. Through education, the Manhattan Fire Protection District advocates for personal health, wellness and safe behaviors to improve the quality of life. The Fire District does weekly car seat inspections and offers babysitting and CPR classes as well.

Located in Toledo, IL, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support the American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of veterans, military, and their families. The Auxiliary advocates for veterans, educates citizens, mentors youth and promotes patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. One of the main projects of the American Legion Auxiliary is the creation of a Veterans Monument that will include the names of all service members from Cumberland County, IL.