Grant funding being offered by Health and Wellness Foundation of Pike County for 2025-2026 year

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Health and Wellness Foundation of Pike County (HWFPC) is now accepting applications for their two competitive grants: the Healthy Community Grant and Health Catalyst Grant. All not-for profit organizations or equivalents seeking to provide a service or program that benefits the health and wellness of Pike County, Ill., are invited and encouraged to apply.

Deadline for application submission is Aug. 15, with grant recipients awarded in October. Grant applications, guidelines and eligibility requirements may be obtained by emailing the foundation at ichcf@aol.com . New applicants are encouraged to set up an appointment to discuss their proposal and the application process.

In a press release, Patty McIntosh, HWFPC executive director said, “As our philanthropic mission reflects – promoting and assisting initiatives that positively impact the physical, mental, emotional and social health of those in Pike County – for the last 20 years our grants have been the primary vehicle toward helping ensure every individual in Pike County has access to the services and supports they need to obtain their highest possible health status. Last year we made significant grant awards to programs that are both effective and transformative. We welcome applications for new or existing programs that offer solutions and strategies addressing the range of health and quality of life challenges facing communities across the county.”

In 2024, as part of their commemoration of their 20 years of continuous operation, HWFPC awarded over $160,000 in grants to programs and initiatives positively impacting health and welfare of Pike County residents. The 2024 grant recipients included the following groups:

• $80,000 – awarded a $20,000 grant to each of Pike County’s four school districts: Pikeland CUSD#10, Griggsville-Perry CUSD #4, Western CUSD #12 and Pleasant Hill CUSD#3. Foundation funding is to be applied toward any health or wellness related needs solely benefiting the students served in their respective districts.
• West Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging (WCIAAA) – $18,000 awarded to hire an additional half-time information and assistance/Medicaid specialist to better serve Pike County’s expanding senior and financially impoverished population.
• Pike County Health Department – $20,000 awarded annually for three years to help implement an ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs) collaboration with Adams County Health Department which provides the necessary resources, programming and technology to support ATOD education in the Pike County schools.
• CASA of Pike County – $12,500 awarded to hire a half-time CASA coordinator to recruit, retain and supervise CASA volunteer advocates to meet the expanded needs and services of Pike County youth in the care of the court.
• Two Rivers RC and D Access Food Program – $10,500 awarded toward processing of deer harvested in Pike County which is to be donated to the Pike County food pantries, providing much needed protein to the families utilizing them.
• Pike County Unmet Needs (PCUN) – $12,500 awarded for program support to PCUN toward helping Pike County residents who are struggling to maintain basic services such as housing, medical, essential transportation, utilities and food.
• Griggsville-Perry Snack Pack – $3,000 awarded to provide program support for the group’s work of providing food bags to over 65 participating students in the Griggsville-Perry school district.
• Pleasant Hill First Baptist Church Free Summer Meal Program – $3,500 awarded for food supplies for meals offered to any Pike County youth ages 18 and under who come to the church site for the summer food Pprogram.
• Pike County Rotary Club – $1,944 awarded to assist in implementing the club’s “7 Reasons to Leave the Party” program which focuses on raising awareness of drinking, drugs and risky behaviors to all of Pike County’s 7th and 8th grade students.

The Healthy Community Grant is a competitive grant awarding up to $12,500 for a 12-month period for programs or services that meaningfully impact Pike County’s most pressing health needs and disparities.

Among the areas of concern that qualify for funding by this grant include: mental and behavioral health, children and families, substance abuse, and quality of life including access to food, shelter and basic health care, older adults, prevention and wellness, among others.

Established to serve as a stimulus for tackling major health concerns impacting Pike County and ultimately facilitating development or expansion of health interventions, the Health Catalyst Grants, which funds significant projects up to $20,000 annually per project, for a new or existing project spanning up to three years or a maximum of $60,000.

Since it began operation in 2024 as a 501c3 public charity, HWFPC has worked to make Pike County a healthier place for all to live. To find out more about HWFPC or about how you can make a donation in support of their work, call HWFPC at 217-285-6080.