Coles County Peace and Justice Fund

The Coles County Peace and Justice Fund is administered by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation and supports community initiatives that build mutual trust and cross-cultural understanding in Coles County, Illinois. The fund’s mission emphasizes the advancement of social justice, human rights, religious tolerance, and environmental stewardship, making it a resource for grassroots organizations seeking to foster inclusive, community-centered solutions to pressing societal issues. Funding is available to support a variety of eligible activities, including public programs and speaker events, organizational diversity training, collaborative efforts between culturally diverse organizations, and educational material purchases such as books and videos that promote diversity. The fund prioritizes projects that do more than treat the symptoms of social issues; instead, successful applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to addressing root causes and contributing to broader movements for social change. Proposals that actively engage youth in Coles County will receive preference in the evaluation process. Grants are available in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $7,000, with each applicant allowed to submit only one application per funding cycle. The fund is restricted to projects that directly benefit residents of Coles County and address significant and unmet community needs. This geographic specificity ensures that resources are directed where they are most impactful and that funded projects align with the fund’s localized mission. The application period for the 2025 cycle opens on August 26 and closes on October 7. Applicants should ensure that their submissions are complete by the deadline; incomplete or late applications will not be considered. There are no pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers required, simplifying access to the opportunity. Evaluation criteria include the applicant’s ability to demonstrate meaningful community engagement, a clear strategy for achieving stated outcomes, and alignment with the fund’s core mission areas. Communication regarding the grant may be directed to the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation via email at [email protected] or by phone at 217-342-4988. Administered annually, this grant opportunity is expected to recur, making it a sustainable funding source for long-term efforts to improve social equity and cohesion in Coles County. Applicants who are not selected in one round are encouraged to refine their proposals and apply in subsequent years.

Applicants are encouraged to frame projects as addressing root causes and part of broader social change; youth engagement is prioritized.