Deadline for nonprofits, churches, schools to register for WCIL Gives is April 30

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — The Tracy Family Foundation (TFF) is reminding all eligible nonprofits, churches and schools in West Central Illinois to register for the inaugural West Central Illinois Gives (WCIL Gives) event. Registration is open through Wednesday, April 30.

“More than 40 organizations have already registered,” Callie Niederhauser, TFF program manager, said in a press release. “We anticipate even more interest in the coming weeks. We are thrilled to launch WCIL Gives as a celebration of generosity and a platform to highlight the good work happening in our region.”

WCIL Gives is a four-day online giving event, running from June 9-12. Much like “Giving Tuesday” and similar community fundraising initiatives, WCIL Gives aims to unite West Central Illinois in support for regional organizations. Participants can engage with the community, raise much-needed funds and be eligible for a share of $25,000 in prize grants sponsored by TFF.

Organizations, schools and churches can participate by completing a registration form at www.wcilgives.org. Upon registration approval, participants will be prompted to create a campaign page (similar to a GoFundMe page), which should communicate the mission and impact of the organization while also displaying a fundraising goal.

Organizations will share and promote their fundraising pages from May 1 to June 8. The fundraising competition begins at 8 a.m. Monday, June 9, and extends through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 12. During the four-day event, participants will encourage community members to donate via their campaign pages as they compete to reach milestones and win prize grants.

“WCIL Gives is designed to highlight the incredible work of local nonprofits, increase volunteerism and boost community investment in these essential services,” TFF President Dan Teefey said.

To learn more and complete registration, visit www.wcilgives.org.

To follow along for event updates, “like” Tracy Family Foundation on Facebook.

To engage with participating organizations and their campaigns, follow the hashtag #wcilgives.

The Tracy Family Foundation (TFF) was established in 1997 by the Robert and Dorothy Tracy family to advance innovative, collaborative and sustainable change in Brown County and the surrounding region through organizations that share the values of family, faith, education, leadership and community. TFF has awarded more than 8,000 grants totaling more than $80 million.

Find out more about TFF at www.tracyfoundation.org.