ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (February 3, 2025) — The Doris and Victor Day Foundation, Rauch Family Foundation I & II, and the Rock Island Community Foundation announce the opening of their grant application period for funding in 2025. Grant information and access to the shared grant portal can be accessed at dayfoundation.org and rockislandcommunityfoundation.org.
Doris and Victor Day applications are due on May 31, 2025; Rauch Family Foundation I applications are due on July 31, 2025; Rauch Family Foundation II applications are due on April 30 or October 31, 2025, and the Rock Island Community Foundation applications are due June 27, 2025.
The Doris and Victor Day Foundation has been a steadfast pillar in our community since the office's opening in 1987. Supporting eligible non-profits primarily located in Rock Island and Scott Counties. "We are committed to supporting impactful projects that address basic human needs in our community, "said Tyla Sherwin-Cole. "Grants are designed to empower organizations with the resources they need to make a real difference."
Each year, for the past couple of years, the Day Foundation has carefully listened to grantees through feedback on how we can improve. We have implemented an elevator pitch in the grant application that gives grantees another way to tell their story in a memorable, informative, and persuasive way. Videos also allow board members to learn more about ideas and proposals quickly. It also will help create more accessibility to the availability of grants as well as help organizations better leverage their case.
We implemented a social-media program that promotes organizations for their award. It is a cost-effective way to reach a larger audience, raise awareness about their cause, and engage potential supporters without a significant financial investment, allowing organizations to maximize their impact despite limited resources.
This year, we are incorporating a site visit program into our grantmaking process. Instead of a final report, we will decide on a mid-grant or post-site visit.
The mid-grant will serve as an opportunity for us to check in on the progress toward the grant objectives and outcomes, to course correct for the remainder of the grant period, and/or to see our dollars in action.
The post-grant visit will serve as an evaluation or process at the end of the grant period to collect feedback and create more opportunities for us to learn more about organizations and programs and for them to learn more about our Foundation, helping us continue to build trust for more effective grant partnerships in the future.
Doris' estate contributed $10 million to the Foundation's office opening in 1987, and the board of directors worked diligently to fulfill the Days' dream. With over $17 million in current assets, the Foundation has granted more than $26 million since its establishment.
The Rauch Family Foundation was established by brothers Albert and Less Rauch in the late 1980s with an initial principal of $1 million. Each grant from the Foundation is a testament to our commitment to the community and is designated explicitly for nonprofit organizations serving Rock Island City residents. Since its inception in 1988, the Foundation has distributed over $1.3 million in grants.
The Rock Island Community Foundation, founded on April 16, 1967, began with contributions of $20 each from its eight founders. Since then, it has grown exponentially, distributing over $2.6 million to community groups, and grown to nearly $4 million in assets. This remarkable growth, fueled by the annual contributions of board members and funding from local citizens and businesses, has inspired us and enabled us to assist 221 organizations, benefiting over 200,000 individuals in Rock Island.
For information about the application or process, please contact the office at 309-788-2300 or e-mail tyla@dayfoundation.org or Gary Rowe at 309-786-8551 or gnrowe47@gmail.com.
