Collaborations

Untold Stories is a regranting program in partnership with three local community foundations, supporting efforts to highlight underrepresented people in the history of East Central Illinois. This opportunity will interest historical societies, academic researchers, libraries, arts organizations, and schools integrating local history into social science curricula. Funded projects will produce a clear work product, have a dissemination goal, and include a community engagement plan. Activities may include publications, videos, performances, preservation projects, and class presentations. The community foundations receive matching funds and oversee grantmaking. The Lumpkin Family Foundation formed an Advisory Committee to spread insights and deepen community connections.

Mattoon was home to three generations of the Lumpkin family and their company’s  headquarters. The Foundation office remains here, on Broadway Avenue, reflecting our strong ties and a deep commitment to Coles County. Over the years, we have partnered on numerous  projects that contribute to Mattoon’s growth and vitality. The Foundation worked with local leaders and the City of Mattoon to create Mattoon Heritage Park, a sustainably designed public green space. We’re proud to have contributed to additional downtown revitalization efforts such as community murals, tree-planting, and the creation of an arts facility within Mattoon’s historic train depot.

Proofing Station is a 501(c)(3) investment fund the Foundation established in collaboration with Food:Land:Opportunity, and the Margot L. Pritzker Fund to provide needed capital to marginalized food entrepreneurs. Whether its bridge financing for new organic farmers or equity investments in historically underserved entrepreneurs, the fund’s objective is to fill financial gaps or take risks that help unlock more funding from existing sources. Ultimately, the goal is a more healthy, fair and sustainable food system.

Collaboration is a central pillar of the Foundation’s strategic plan. We currently participate in several joint grantmaking funds, distributing nearly $7 million annually in recent years —far more than we could do alone. Our partnerships leverage our resources and allow us to learn from others and address systemic challenges.

The Foundation co-founded Fresh Taste in 2002 as a learning community of 10 Illinois foundations. Today, Fresh Taste also provides a platform from which its members launch joint funding efforts like the Chicago Region Food System Fund, and the place-based programs, Austin Fresh, North Lawndale Fresh, and the Midwest Regenerative Agriculture Fund supporting programs at the University of Illinois.