Morton Community Services Fund

Supporting Essential Services for a Safer, Stronger Morton

The Morton Community Services Fund was one of the original five endowment funds established by the Morton Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2000. Its purpose is simple yet vital: to support projects and organizations that provide critical community services to Morton residents—such as our Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments, as well as other essential service areas.

Why This Fund Matters

Strong communities rely on strong services. From public safety to infrastructure, these essential functions protect our residents and improve quality of life every day. However, local governments often face budget constraints that limit their ability to upgrade equipment or launch special projects. This fund exists to bridge that gap—providing resources where they are needed most.

How Grants from This Fund Help

Over the years, the Morton Community Services Fund has supported projects such as:

  • A controller for the community-wide ESDA siren system, ensuring timely alerts for emergencies.

  • Automatic Electronic Defibrillators (AEDs) for life-saving response.

  • Highly visible reflective safety vests to protect first responders during hazardous conditions.

  • Thermal imaging cameras to help firefighters find hotspots, people, or pets when smoke makes it impossible to locate them visually. CLICK HERE to learn more.

These are just a few examples of how this fund directly impacts safety and efficiency for our community.

A Legacy of Local Support

Originally created as part of MCF’s “Founder’s Campaign,” this fund continues to grow through the generosity of donors who believe in sustaining Morton’s essential services for generations to come. Your gift becomes part of a permanent endowment—meaning the principal remains invested, while annual earnings provide ongoing grant support year after year.

Join Us in Making Morton Stronger
Your contribution to the Morton Community Services Fund helps ensure our village remains safe, prepared, and equipped for the future.

To make a tax-deductible donation to this endowment fund, you can:

  • Donate by check: Make it payable to Morton Community Foundation and mail it to 135 S First Ave, Morton, IL 61550. Please write “Community Services” on the memo line.

  • Make a tax-advantaged gift of stock…Visit our stock gifting page by clicking HERE.

  • Give online by clicking the button below.

Are you a Caterpillar Employee or Retiree?

The Caterpillar Foundation is proud to offer the year-round Matching Gifts Program to support their employees, U.S. retirees and board of directors in their contributions to worthy causes. Eligible Caterpillar participants may request an annual total maximum 1:1 match of $10,000 USD each calendar year to eligible charities to which contributions are tax deductible. The Morton Community Foundation is an eligible charity. So, if you are an eligible Caterpillar participant, you may submit any donations to this fund for an equivalent match, up to your total maximum of $10,000 per year. CLICK HERE to link to the Caterpillar Foundation’s Matching Gift website.