MCF’s Annual Community Grant Cycle
Grant History
Morton Community Foundation Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle History
The Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle has occurred every year since 2003 and is made possible through the generosity of the MCF’s donors—individuals, families, and organizations committed to improving the quality of life here in the Morton area. Endowed gifts create reliable funding for current needs and future opportunities. That’s the power of endowment.
Some donors choose to support specific organizations, while others provide scholarship funding that helps students get to and through school. Some donors decide that they want their legacy gifts to address the challenges and opportunities of future generations. These endowed gifts support the MCF’s Annual Spring Community Grant Cycle, our grantmaking program that endeavors to meet the communities most urgent needs through responsive grantmaking. In order to receive a Community Grant, agencies must apply for their grant through a competitive process. Community Grant applications can be submitted by all Morton schools (public or parochial), all non-profits that impact Morton area residents, and by the governmental entities (Morton Park District, Morton Public Library, Village of Morton, Morton Township).
The Morton Community Foundation began in 2000. The first year of grant making by the Foundation was 2003 when the grant total was $3,875.
Total 2024 Grants from all fund types
This chart is a breakdown of all grant dollars distributed by the MCF in 2024. This includes grants generated from all fund types: Donor Advised Funds, Designated Funds, Agency Funds, Unrestricted and Field of Interest Funds (Community Grants), and Scholarship Funds.
Following is a history of all Community Grants…
2024 GRANTS
$2,844 - Grundy Elementary PTO toward (3) ADA picnic tables and (2) benches for playground.
$1,623 - Grundy Elementary School Library for mobile book browser and rotor stand 6-tier double tower book rack.
$3,000 - Jefferson Elementary PTO toward materials for addition of new outdoor learning space.
$1,500 - Lincoln Elementary School for lunch-time STEM bins.
$5,060 - Morton Junior High School for couch and chairs for new sitting area in gym foyer.
$10,161 - Morton High School for touchscreen digital display for Hall of Fame in new MHS entrance.
$3,794 - Morton High School Band for 2 wireless microphones and 2 Bose speakers
$1,389 - Morton High School Track and Field/Cross Country Teams for Skyhook Contact Mat.
$5,712 - Morton High School for computers, monitors and peripheral equipment needed for a new E-Sports team.
$2,742 - Bethel Lutheran School for targets and related equipment for archery program.
$3,750 - Blessed Sacrament School toward safety ballistic film for entry doors and windows.
$1,500 - Solid Rock Christian Academy toward swing set for playground.
$3,480 - Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center for portable digital mixer, bag for mixer and 2 wireless microphones.
$2,226 - Morton Public Library for updated leveled books for youngest readers.
$1,971 - Groveland Community Library for an art and technology book series and 60 STEM kits.
$2,000 - Morton Fire Department for 2 Seek FirePro 300 handheld thermal imaging cameras.
$1,975 - Morton Police Department for 8 gym mats to use for control tactics training at MPD headquarters.
$2,500 - Morton Chamber of Commerce toward new storage trailer for Pumpkin Festival signs.
$650 - Morton Fine Arts Association for rolling storage rack for chairs used at Phil & Barb Kuhl Performing Arts Pavilion, Idlewood Park.
$492 - Morton Park District for 2 balance beams for tumbling classes.
$5,080 - Morton Park District for dog water fountain at new Dogwood Park.
$2,500 - Morton Gridiron Club toward Guardian caps...impact reducing soft-shell football helmet cover.
$1,900 - Morton Girls Softball Association for popcorn machine and stand-up cooler for concession stand.
$3,600 - Morton JFL toward the purchase of needed replacement football helmets.
$980 - Peoria Area Water Wizards for 6 push button lane timers, Meet Management software and corded microphone for starter.
$1,700 - Washington Morton East Peoria High School Swim Co-op Swim Team for new starter.
$2,500 - Girl Scouts of Central Illinois for 6 handheld radios for Camp Tapawingo.
$985 - The Baby Fold for divider for classroom
$1,500 - Camp Big Sky toward building materials for construction of a pavilion at Bruce's Lake
$1,250 - Center for Prevention of Abuse toward laptop computers to be used by court advocates at the Tazewell County Courthouse.
$6,894 - Community Harvest Food Pantry for commercial refrigerator for the Community Life building.
$1,520 - Foster Village Peoria toward furniture, decor, supplies and toys for the visit/childcare room.
$270 - Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association for PA speaker.
$600 - Midwest Food Bank for 5 heat sealers used to package Tender Mercies meal packets.
$900 - Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc. for equipment for yoga/exercise program and 2 cordless microphones.
$90,548 - Total 2024 Community Grants
2023 GRANTS
$2,875 - Bethel Lutheran School toward equipment for the archery program
$5,037 - Blessed Sacrament School for sensory specific playground equipment
$3,315 - Solid Rock Christian Academy for seesaw for the playground
$2,000 - Grundy Elementary School Library for nonfiction books
$2,097 - Jefferson School for 3 wireless microphones
$3,632 - Jefferson Elementary PTO for ADA compliant picnic table and 2 other picnic tables
$479 - Lettie Brown Elementary School for 3 nonfiction book sets
$3,554 - Morton High School Band for wireless upgrades
$1,055 - Morton High School Math Team for 7 graphing calculators
$1,700 - Morton High School Track and Field/Cross Country Teams toward team tent
$2,700 - Morton High School Wrestling Team for a Trackwrestling score clock
$1.922 - Morton CUSD 709 Music for 42 music stands
$1,600 - Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center toward Korg Nautilus 88 Keyboard Workstation
$1,100 - Morton Fine Arts Association for 40 Mity Lite Flex folding chairs
$2,987 - Morton Park District for custom branded canopies
$1,287 - Morton Park District for 4 infant and 4 adult CPR mannequins
$1,680 - Morton Public Library for STEM and learning kits
$689 - Groveland Community Library for math and science books
$3,000 - Morton Fire Department for a thermal imaging camera
$3,500 - Morton Girls Softball Association toward a Toro tractor
$3,000 - Morton Gridiron Club for equipment for Carper Field (electrical, lighting, technology and signage)
$3,740 - Morton JFL for 22 helmets
$2,400 - Washington Morton East Peoria High School Swim Co-op Swim Team for 2-lane timing touchpads
$1,645 - Camp Big Sky for supplies for Kayak Program and Pollinator Sanctuary Project
$2,500 - Center for Prevention of Abuse for 50 sets of bed bug protection mattress protectors and pillow covers and 23 sets of cordless blinds for shelters
$1,004 - Foster Village Peoria for inventory for resource closet
$1,500 - Girl Scouts of Central Illinois toward replacement equipment for challenge course at Camp Tapawingo
$818 - Heart of Morton for magnetic hoops and fixtures for HoopMaster base used for embroidery business
$4,400 Hooked on Fishing toward trailer for mobile fishing events
$1,500 - Midwest Food Bank toward commercial ceiling fan
$2,000 - Morton First Presbyterian Church toward permanent fencing for Ada’s Acres garden
$750 - Peoria Area Water Wizards toward touchpad caddy for gutter-hung touchpads
$1,740 - St. Jude Morton to Peoria Run for 24 big wheels to be used for Pumpkin Festival Big Wheel Races
$2,524 - Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc. for 30 vinyl armchairs and 4 wheelchairs to be used for emergency evacuations
$75,730 - TOTAL 2023 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2022 GRANTS
$2,500 - Blessed Sacrament School for 3D printer
$2,500 - Morton High School toward Bookworm Vending Machine
$2,300 - Jefferson PTO for 2 ADA Accessible Swings
$3,215 - Jefferson PTO for Rally Round Climber for playground
$2,200 - Grundy Elementary School Library for 3 spinning library shelves and new nonfiction books
$5,000 - Morton High School Tennis toward installation of new entrance/exit gates at 4 inner tennis courts at Joal Stanfield Tennis Facility
$3,795 - Morton High School Band for new drum-major podium
$3,470 - Washington Morton East Peoria High School Co-op Swim Team for 2-lane timing touchpads and related hardware connections.
$1,834 - Morton Public Library for "Walker" display track system for hanging art shows in the Reuling Room
$831 - Groveland Community Library for new children's classic books and 15 new audio books for seniors
$2,500 - Morton Chamber of Commerce for 2 additional informational plaques to be placed along the Morton History Story Map.
$4,045 - Morton Park District for 3 canopies with MCF logo to use at special events
$3,500 - Morton Park District for installation of stairway on hole #4 of Megiddo Disc Golf Course at Westwood Park
$2,912 - Groveland Township toward electronic signage for Groveland Township and Groveland Library
$5,925 - B.A.C.E. toward security cameras
$2,954 - Morton Girls Softball Association for equipment to renovate concession stand: freezer; refrigerator; pizza warmer; pretzel merchandiser
$2,000 - MYBA for materials for indoor batting cage pulley systems
$3,000 - Midwest Food Bank toward security cameras
$2,000 - Camp Big Sky for musical instruments for sensory playground
$2,990 - Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc. for 2 Hoyer Deluxe Power Patient Lifters
$1,750 - Girl Scouts of Central Illinois toward new pinewood derby track at Camp Tapawingo
$1,679 - Central Illinois Young Life for video projector
$2,000 - Center for Prevention of Abuse toward equipment to upgrade audio-conferencing system in gathering room
$1,000 - Peoria Area Water Wizards toward timing touchpads
$65,900 - TOTAL 2022 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2021 GRANTS
$3,900 – Bethel Lutheran School for 6 wireless projectors that work with Smartboards
$1,870 – Blessed Sacrament School for system components to livestream athletic games
$1,500 – Morton High School for video camera for the digital studio lab designed and implemented by the Business Department
$6,950 – Jefferson Elementary PTO for Brava Universal Swing for playground
$1,500 – Lincoln Elementary School for Sensory Path for hallway
$4,042 – Morton High School Project Lead the Way for 2 robotics kits
$3,450 – Morton High School Band for 2 portable PA systems with microphones and 36-40 color guard bags
$6,444 – Morton High School Tennis for 4 vinyl chain-link gates for Joal Stanfield Memorial Tennis Complex
$1,575 – Morton Public Library for bike repair station
$2,835 – Village of Morton for park bench and garbage receptacle for corner of S. Main and W. Washington
$3,506 – Morton Park District for materials for retaining wall at Northwoods Park
$1,250 – Morton Chamber of Commerce toward historical plaques to be placed throughout Morton
$600 – Groveland Community Library for books
$1,000 – First Presbyterian Church of Morton for materials for Ada’s Acre community garden
$2,200 – Morton Youth Baseball Association toward renovation of batting cages at Westwood Park
$1,500 – We Care, Inc. for 6 sets of wheelchair restraints
$1,500 – Midwest Food Bank for 2 computers and monitors for volunteers
$350 – Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc. for cooking and kitchen items, household items, and arts & crafts items
$750 – Best Buddies in Illinois for microphones, speakers, subwoofer and audioboard for sensory friendly job fair
$500 - Tazewell County Youth Board for digital campaign (Snapchat) to help MHS students learn more about mental health services available to them
$47,222 - TOTAL 2021 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2020 GRANTS
$2,000 – Morton Park District for bridge for disc golf course at Northwoods Park
$1,225 – Morton Park District for adaptive recreation equipment at Oakwood Park
$1,250 – Morton Chamber of Commerce toward historical plaques at PNC and Morton Public Library
$1,500 – Morton Public Library for juvenile graphic novels, Playaways and Wonderbooks
$1,600 – Groveland Community Library for World Book series sets for children
$1,450 – Blessed Sacrament School for 10 Vision Scientific LED Cordless Microscopes
$1,700 – Blessed Sacrament School and Athletic Department for 2 portable accordion room dividers/partitions
$2,250 – Morton High School Business Department for Hotronix Fusion-IQ Heat Press
$3,500 – Morton High School Band for color guard spirit flags and instruments
$979 – Lettie Brown Elementary School for items for STEAM bins
$1,500 – Morton CUSD 709 Elementary Music Programs for 4 guitars, 4 baritone ukes, 16 baritone uke cases and replacement strings
$5,800 – Jefferson Elementary School and PTO for 4 backboards with rims and 2 benches for basketball courts at corner of First and Adams St.
$1,500 – Lincoln Elementary School for Sensory Path Under the Sea sensory package
$5,335 – Morton High School Tennis for 4 windscreens and 8 benches for Joal Stanfield Memorial Tennis Complex
$1,500 – Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center for 2 LED spotlights to replace halogen spotlights
$2,800 – B.A.C.E. of Morton for hardware for Network Firewall Security Appliance and Wireless Access Points
$1,175 – Camp Big Sky for 5 Centerville Amish heavy duty garden benches
$1,200 – Center for Prevention of Abuse for 2 security monitors for Peoria campus
$1,429 – Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc. for ProTekt Dash Stand-Up Patient Lift and SPRYTE Manual Stand Aid
$1,232 – EP!C for 2 twin tower paper racks, 4 swivel stem castors, 2 water sensory activities, 2 sensory color boxes, 2 liquid motion bubblers, 2 glitter drums and 8 Bop-It games
$500 – Central Illinois Riding Therapy toward safety equipment, AED pads, masks, safety gloves and first aid
$1,500 – Easterseals Central Illinois for a laptop computer
$1,500 – Midwest Food Bank toward materials needed to develop single serving microwavable packages for Tender Mercies program
$488 – Girl Scouts of Central Illinois for 36 arrows and 10 Level I Certification books to train Camp Tapawingo staff to facilitate archery activities
$296 – W.D. Boyce Council, Boy Scouts of America for safety equipment for use at Adventure Camps
$1,500 – Morton Youth Baseball Association toward 2 dugouts on Field 3 at Westwood Park
$780 – Central Illinois Young Life for portable sound system for Morton middle school Wyldlife Club
$47,489 - TOTAL 2020 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2019 GRANTS
$600 - Blessed Sacrament School for (2) 32 GB iPads
$908 - Lettie Brown Elementary for STEM kits for 6th grade
$7,800 - Jefferson Elementary PTO toward purchase of playground equipment
$1,000 - Morton Junior High School toward purchase of new lecturn
$1,378 - Morton High School Music Dept. for Arturia Keylab 88 and Spectrasonics Omnisphere synthesizer software
$600 - Morton High School Composers’ Guild for 2 accounts for Sibelius/Ultimate, a notation software to create compositions
$2,000 - Morton School District Dept. of Special Education for sensory supports for the Sensory Support Lending Library ($500 to each grade school)
$2,000 - Morton Park District for bridge for disc golf course at Northwoods Park
$650 - Heart of Illinois Adult Literacy for 2 white boards to be installed in Morton Public Library tutoring rooms; laptap computer, wireless mouse and Reading Pen 2 to be used with ABE and ESL learners
$407 - Groveland Community Library for shelving unit and audio CD books for seniors and reading impaired
$1,250 - The Center for Prevention of Abuse for audio visual equipment for gathering room; parts for installation of microphone system; HP TouchScreen laptop
$1,350 - Midwest Food Bank, NFP for items for Tender Mercies Program and tablecloth
$1,383 - We Care Inc. of Morton for 2-way radios for transport buses
$1,250 - Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc. for Interactive Fireworks Panel and TheraGym Bouncer Lounger
$870 - Heart of Morton for (3) iPads with protective cases
$1,250 - EP!C for equipment to create a sensory room
$3,000 - Guardian Angel Home for commercial grade swings
$750 - Morton Chamber of Commerce for bike rack
$500 - Morton Fine Arts Association for 20 chairs to be used at Idlewood Parks Pavilion
$3,000 – MYBA toward two dugouts
$1,800 - Morton JFL toward equipment
$2,295 - Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center for Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio Pro HD Live Production Switcher
$600 - Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum for (2) Teacher Packs
$2,000 - St. Jude Morton to Peoria Run for materials to build monkey bar structure for Kids’ Muddy Madness
$485 - W.D. Boyce Council, Boy Scouts of America for bicycles
$1,799 - Peoria Area Water Wizards for Vasa pulley machine
$40,925 - TOTAL 2019 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2018 GRANTS
$2,725 - Blessed Sacrament School to purchase a classroom SMART Board
$710 - Lettie Brown Elementary for two sets of stack stools, two sets of soft seats, and four k’motion stools
$4,200 - Jefferson Elementary PTO for a climbing structure, as part of a new playground structure to be built in Summer 2019
$1,000 - Jefferson Elementary School for 18 Ozobot Bit Classroom Kits
$1,134 - Lincoln Elementary School for six Osmos educational gaming systems for iPads
$1,000 - Morton High School Cross Country for 12 Garmin Forerunner GPS watches
$1,000 - Morton HS Band Boosters Pearl EM1 malletSTATION, electronic percussion instrument
$1,140 - Morton HS Orchestra for a sound mixing board for electric strings instruments
$2,600 - Village of Morton for two benches to be placed across from Jefferson School
$4,598 - Village of Morton for a security camera system for Memorial Plaza
$2,000 - Morton Park District toward the cost of building a bridge for the disc golf course at Northwoods Park
$998 - Morton Park District for a spinning sensory wave seat for Idlewood playground.
$975 - Morton Public Library to have 4 years of Courier Newspapers converted to microfilm
$1,500 - Groveland Community Library towards the purchase of shelving units, World Book Learning Ladders, classic and early chapter books
$1,250 - The Center for Prevention of Abuse towards the purchase of video equipment
$1,575 - Midwest Food Bank for equipment for packaging stations for Tender Mercies Off-Site Outreach & Distribution Program
$1,350 - We Care Inc. of Morton for two 2-way radios for transport buses
$1,300 - Why Not Now, Inc. d/b/a Camp Big Sky towards the purchase of an adaptive swing set
$1,500 - Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc. towards the purchase of a SMART Board
$490 - Heart of Morton to purchase two transport chairs, iPad and Smart cover case
$2,716 - Apostolic Christian LifePoints to purchase two Sonos outdoor speakers and an outdoor xylophone
$1,250 - Morton Chamber of Commerce towards their Morton oral history project
$2,800 - Morton Youth Baseball Association towards construction of an extension of the Field 3 baseball backstop
$1,250 - Community United Church of Christ for five Caring Cupboards (Little Free Food Pantries) to be placed around the Morton area.
$41,061 - TOTAL 2018 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2017 GRANTS
$1,250 - Blessed Sacrament School for 3-D printer
$1,195 - Lettie Brown Elementary for Ozobot classroom kit for STEM activities
$2,995 - Morton Junior High School for robotics module for the CareerMaker STEM lab
$900 - Morton High School Cross Country for canopy tent
$860 - Morton High School Band Boosters for 6 cymbals for the percussion program
$2,500 - Morton Community Unit School District 709 for high definition camera
$450 - Morton Fire Department for car seats
$2,512 - Village of Morton toward the purchase of a sound system to be used at the Memorial Plaza
$500 - Groveland Community Library for books
$300 - American Association of University Women for 10 ThinkFun STEM related kits and storage container
$1,950 - Morton Public Library for 4 activity tables, 24 chairs, water/sensory table and outdoor water table
$1,700 - Morton Park District/MYBA for bleachers for junior high field
$850 - Morton Park District for ADA compliant picnic tables
$2,000 - Morton Park District for stairs for Migiddo Disc Golf Course at Westwood Park
$3,312 - The Center for Prevention of Abuse for bulletproof window
$2,224 - Midwest Food Bank, NFP for supplies and equipment for Tender Mercies Off-Site Outreach & Distribution Program
$1,000 - We Care Inc. of Morton for MIG welder and accessories
$3,500 - Morton Fine Arts Association for lighting for Idlewood Park Pavilion
$3,725 - Morton CUSD 709 - Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center toward purchase of 2 HD TVs, camera and HD encoder modulator
$325 - Association for the Developmentally Disabled of Woodford Co. for step ladder
$1,000 - Why Not Now, Inc. d/b/a Camp Big Sky for 6x10 foot wheelchair accessible floating dock section
$720 - Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc. for wheelchairs
$1,327 - Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc. for 3 convertible folding picnic tables
$1,480 - Heart of Morton for 2 laptop computers with mouse and portable hard drive
$38,575 - TOTAL 2017 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2016 GRANTS
$2,500 - Bethel Lutheran, toward a new outdoor playground
$2,574 - Blessed Sacrament for 6 iPad Air Wi-FI 32 GBs
$3,725 - Lettie Brown Elementary PTO toward a new outdoor playground
$2,509 - Lincoln Elementary School PTO toward adaptive classroom equipment to help students who struggle with being distracted
$900 - Morton High School Art Department to purchase 60 metal frames to display student artwork in and around our community
$1,000 - Morton Junior High School/Morton Basketball Associationtoward purchase of Dr. Dish Pro shooting machine
$640 - Morton High School Band Boosters for a Yamaha DTX-12 electronic drum machine & mounting attachments
$500 - Morton High School Cross Country for 5 - Garmin Forerunner GPS watches
$1,725 - Morton Park District and MYBA toward construction of sidewalks to baseball field #7 at Westwood Park, and toward a concrete pad adjacent to maintenance shed for dumpsters
$1,600 - Morton Park District (Disc Golf Course) (bridge over a creek at Westwood Park)
$1,400 - Morton Chamber of Commerce for purchase of 2 flower pots for downtown
$1,250 - Morton Fine Arts & Morton Park District for a 12 quart popcorn popper for concession stand at Idlewood Park
$2,250 - Morton Fine Arts & Morton Park District toward stage lighting for the Idlewood Arts Pavilion
$950 - Morton Fire Department for 9 - quick grab TacMed LAPD Kits for mass casualty incidents
$1050 - Village of Morton for purchase of Amplifier and iPad as part of an overall new audio visual system at Freedom Hall
$500 - Groveland Community Library for biographies and series books for young people
$2,550 - Morton Public Library to convert five years (1995 – 2012) of Courier Newspapers to microfilm – and then to digitize them for ease of search ability
$1,750 - Tazewell County Resource Center toward purchase of a 2-post client transfer system
$700 - We Care, Inc. of Morton Food Pantry for an 18 cubic foot capacity refrigerator
$1,038 - Community Harvest Food Pantry for purchase of two laptops
$1,368 - Heart of Morton for three iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi and three protective cases
$1,835 - Midwest Food Bank for sink/faucet/disposal, dishwasher, and kitchen lighting for remodeling of volunteer center
$1,044 - The Center for Prevention of Abuse for barracude intruder defense entry locking systems
$1,079 - Camp of Champions USA for iPad Pro Wifi
$1,282 - Central Illinois Riding Therapy for 2 auto-waterers for horses
$750 - Camp Big Sky construction materials for entrance ramp and turn deck to the Learning Center
$350 - American Association of University Women for 4 student microscopes, books, and storage containers
$1,010 - Paws Giving Independence (PGI) for 2 stability brace harnesses for service dogs
$500 - Morton Cub Scouts Pack 76 for construction materials for two cases for storage and transport of Pinewood Derby racing tracks
$900 – Morton Orchestra Parents (MOP) for electronic strings instrument
$41,229 - TOTAL 2016 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2015 GRANTS
$300 – Early Childhood Education (at Lincoln School), to purchase 4-5 tricycles
$1,000 – Jefferson Elementary, toward purchase of an entryway bench
$2,016 – Lincoln School, to purchase a wheelchair swing
$2,000 – Morton Junior High, toward purchase of a padded scorers table for the gym
$2,274 – Blessed Sacrament School, to purchase 6 iPads
$1,200 – Morton High School Band Boosters, to purchase percussion equipment
$1,000 – Morton High School Cross Country Team, to purchase 10 GPS runners watches
$708 – Morton Orchestra Parents, to purchase an electric Cello, amplifier, and effects pedal
$4,000 – Morton Otters Swim Team, toward purchase of an 8 lane electronic swimming scoreboard
$1,000 – MYBA, toward construction of some sidewalks at Westwood Park ball fields
$500 – Groveland Public Library, to purchase some autobiographies and series books
$2,500 – Morton Chamber of Commerce/EDC, toward purchase of downtown flower pots
$2,779 – Morton Public Library, toward purchase of computer and equipment for a new digital media work station
$2,000 – Morton Park District, toward construction materials to use on further addition of navigational steps at Megiddo Disc Golf Course
$1,000 – Morton Fire Department, to purchase reflective safety vests
$2,000 – Morton Fine Arts Association, toward theatrical lighting for Idlewood Arts Pavilion
$500 – Young Life of Central IL, toward purchase of a laptop computer
$1,500 – Boy Scout Troop 309, toward the purchase of a 6' X 12' Trailer
$600 – Center for Prevention of Abuse, to purchase an iPad
$1,020 – Heart of Morton, toward purchase of embroidery machine upgrades, including a positioning device
$1,335 – South Side Mission's Morton Mission Mart, toward purchase of computer upgrades, workstation lamps, utility cards, and hand truck
$2,000 – TCRC, to purchase a 40 Qt Mixer for their catering department
$2,000 – Morton First Presbyterian Church, toward construction of a 12' X 12' Garden Shed for their Community Garden
$1,560 – Community Harvest Food Pantry, to purchase an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
$3,000 – Midwest Food Bank, toward purchase of equipment needed for their new Distribution Program, serving area food banks
$39,792 - TOTAL 2015 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2014 GRANTS
$350 – Camp Big Sky, to purchase a Propane Heater (Powering Camp Big Sky to the Next Level - insulated and heated shed structure to house a generator)
$750 – Heart of Morton, to purchase a digital projector, supply cabinet & shelving (H.O.M.E. Heart of Morton Embroidery business)
$2,000 – Community Harvest, toward the purchase of a power jack to be used in their food pantry program.
$2,000 – Midwest Food Bank, to purchase 10 tables for the volunteer reception/lounge area of the Morton warehouse.
$770 – Camp of Champions, to purchase some glider benches and folding picnic tables for their Morton camp location.
$600 – The Center for Prevention of Abuse, to purchase an iPad and case to be used for children’s therapy, helping to facilitate progress toward healing in a non-threatening way.
$1,068 – B.A.C.E., to purchase 4 iPad Mini’s, allowing low-income students to have equal access to tools that are beneficial to achieving academic success.
$810 – EP!C, to purchase a laptop and joystick for their computer lab expansion.
$1,000 – TCRC, toward items needed for their new “Seeds to Sales” greenhouse project.
$1,897 – Blessed Sacrament School, to purchase a storage shed, teacher bench, and outdoor classroom cart.
$1,797 – Bethel Lutheran School, to purchase two iPads and a MacBook Pro laptop (for mobile computer lab for middle school grades).
$872 – Jefferson Elementary School, to purchase drums to be used in music education and for musical productions.
$600 – Lettie Brown Elementary School, to purchase 10 wired keyboards to be used in conjunction with iPads.
$850 – Lincoln Elementary School, toward purchase of a new audio visual system in their cafeteria/gymnasium for assemblies and other all-school activities.
$2,477 – Morton Junior High School, toward the purchase of a new stereo system for Pony Field #5 at Westwood Park (where MJHS Baseball teams play their games).
$2,500 – Morton Girl’s Softball Association and District 709, toward purchase of a new scoreboard needed for the softball field at Birchwood Park (where MHS Girl’s Softball team plays).
$900 – Morton High School Cross Country Team, for purchase of a video camera and GPS watches to be used to improve runners’ understanding of progress toward personal goals.
$1,483 – Morton Orchestra Parents, for purchase of an electric Cello, pre-amp, amplifier, and effects pedal. This will be the first in a goal to create a new Electric Strings Quartet.
$1,100 – Morton Public Library, toward purchase of 2 bookshelf units for the children’s area.
$500 – Groveland Community Library, toward purchase of new children’s books for the library.
$2,500 – Morton Park District and Morton Disc Golf Club, toward construction costs of the new disc golf course – Megiddo at Westwood Park.
$1,300 – Morton Fire Department, for purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to be placed in first responder police squad car on patrol.
$3,826 – Morton Fine Arts Association, toward purchase of show lighting needed for the new Idlewood Arts Pavilion.
$2,500 – Morton Economic Development Council, toward construction costs of new Morton Downtown Plaza.
$34,450 - TOTAL 2014 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2013 GRANTS
$1,300 – Bethel Lutheran School, toward the cost of a Video-Phone front entry security system for Bethel Lutheran School.
$1,900 – Blessed Sacrament School, toward the cost of four SMART Document Cameras (to be used with SMART Boards).
$525 – Center for the Prevention of Abuse, toward the cost of educational and therapeutic games, and area rug.
$180 – Central Illinois Youth Symphony, toward the cost of a digital camera to be used for promotion and social media.
$2,391 – Community Harvest, toward the cost of heavy-duty folding chairs and wire containers with casters.
$600 – Groveland Township Pioneer Committee, toward the cost of a laptop computer for the Groveland Community Library.
$500 – Heart of Morton NFP, toward the cost of a computer needed to support an embroidery machine to be used in teaching life skills to young adults with developmental disabilities.
$1,900 – Jefferson Elementary School, toward the cost of 5 iPads to be used in their new Morton Leadership Academy program focusing on leadership and mentoring, careers and occupations, goal setting, service and project based learning, and social emotional learning.
$1,900 – Lettie Brown Elementary School, toward the cost of 5 iPads to be used in classrooms to help equip students with the skills necessary to compete in the constantly evolving world of technology.
$1,900 – Lincoln Elementary School, toward the cost of 5 iPads to be used in classrooms to help equip students with the skills necessary to compete in the constantly evolving world of technology.
$1,200 – MHS Athletic Department, toward the cost of 4 courtside benches to be placed at the MHS Tennis Courts.
$650 – MHS Cross Country, toward the cost of additional team uniforms needed for a growing cross country program.
$1,850 – Midwest Food Bank (Morton location), toward the cost of equipment and supplies needed to set up a “Tender Mercies” meal kit hand-packaging room for volunteers.
$2,500 – Morton Chamber of Commerce, toward the construction costs of building another new stone Morton Entryway Sign.
$4,000 – Morton Fine Arts Association, toward the construction costs of the new Idlewood Arts Pavilion, Idlewood Park.
$1,500 – Morton Fire Department, toward the purchase of a portable AED (automated external defibrillator) to be placed at the Morton Tourism Association office.
$1,300 – Morton Junior High School, toward the purchase of of 3 foam floor mats to be used by P.E. classes, and by Health Classes where they are used in the CPR unit in which every student is CPR and AED certified.
$1,200 – Morton Junior High School, toward the construction costs of "in-ground" dugouts for Pony Field #5, at Westwood Park (currently the most used, and yet smallest and in worst shape).
$1,150 – Morton Public Library, toward the purchase of a desktop computer with large memory & monitor, Past Perfect Imaging Software, Past Perfect Network Upgrade.
$1,035 – PARC/EP!C, toward the purchase of a video projector, lap-top and three different educational curriculums for use in serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
$550 – TCRC, toward the purchase of wireless computer-based equipment, including tablets, which would enrich its Early Intervention program for young children in our area who experience developmental delays. This grant is added to a $500 non-competitive grant given to TCRC from their own agency fund. Total 2013 grant $1,050.
$750 – Morton Police Department, toward the purchase of a wireless control system & timer for the Morton Police target practice gun range.
$1,000 – Camp Big Sky, toward the purchase of material to construct & install one of three new fishing/nature study docks on Marj-El Lake, Camp Big Sky.
$31,781 - TOTAL 2013 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2012 GRANTS
$2,500 to Morton Chamber of Commerce toward the cost of building the next new stone entryway sign.
$899 to Jefferson Elementary School toward the purchase of an LCD Video Projector for family movie nights, assemblies, & other events.
$1,200 to Morton Youth Baseball Association toward the rebuilding of the press box on Bronco Field out at Westwood Park.
$475 to B.A.C.E. toward a renovation project that includes necessary improvements in the facility’s kitchen and restrooms.
$841 to the Center for the Prevention of Abuse toward the purchase of a large enclosed and cushioned activity center for toddlers.
$2,000 to Lincoln Elementary School PTO toward the purchase of iPads to be used in classrooms.
$1,100 to Morton Public Library toward the purchase of 7 “Playaway View” portable video devices & travel DVDs for children.
$750 to MHS Cross Country team toward the purchase of new warm-ups for team members.
$2,400 to Bethel Lutheran School toward the purchase of 2 new computer servers to replace the existing 8-10 year old equipment.
$2,313 to Morton Distr 709 toward the purchase of Aegom science curriculum software compatible with SMART Board technology in classrooms.
$3,000 to Morton Tourism Association toward the purchase of 15 shade umbrellas to be used by for events all over our community.
$500 to Central IL Youth Symphony toward the purchase of a laptop computer to be used for presentations at mgs., events, and fundraisers.
$450 to First Presbyterian Church's Community Garden toward the purchase of fencing materials, plants, and seeds.
$2,400 to Blessed Sacrament School toward the purchase of 8 sets of SMART Board audio speakers for classrooms.
$3,928 to Community Harvest Food Pantry toward the purchase of a warehouse entryway air curtain and 2 collapsible wire storage containers.
$4,290 to Distr 709 Broadcasting – to purchase a Panasonic solid state P2 recording deck for recording school events throughout the district.
$2,400 to Morton Distr 709 Special Education toward the purchase of iPads to address the learning and communication needs of students.
$1,350 to Morton Blaze Soccer Club toward construction of a new pedestrian bridge across the ravine at McClallen Park.
$1,500 to MJHS toward the purchase of a new “Cherry and Gray”, permanently and inherently flame retardant stage curtain.
$550 to MJHS toward the purchase of new signage and vinyl backstop padding clad in school colors and logo at the softball field.
$450 to Camp Big Sky toward the construction materials needed for “Handicapped Accessible” floating dock sections.
$600 to Young Life toward the purchase of an LED video projector to be used at Young Life and WyldLife Club meetings.
$420 to TCRC toward the purchase of Boardmaker software & accessories, and materials on Autism.
$36,316 - TOTAL 2012 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2011 GRANTS
$3,818 to Morton District 709 Grade Schools & Jr. High toward purchase of Notebook software for Smart Boards.
$1,100 to First Presbyterian Church's Community Garden project, growing produce for local food pantries @ Community Harvest & We Care.
$2,000 to Morton Tourism Association toward creating a food trailer to be used by various local groups for serving food for special events.
$1,550 to BACE toward purchase of cabinets required by county health department for serving food to students.
$1,314 to Central IL Youth Symphony for replacement and servicing of current percussion instruments.
$2,400 to Morton Otters Swim Team toward the purchase of a new wireless electronic swim meet timing system.
$2,500 to Morton Chamber of Commerce toward construction of another new Welcome to Morton sign.
$1,250 to COCUSA toward purchase of a new portable basketball system for their Morton summer camp location.
$2,450 to Lincoln Elementary School toward purchase of iPads for use in teaching students - Early Childhood, to Special Needs, to Traditional.
$900 to Morton Orchestra Parents (MOP) toward purchase of a new Cello for use by students whose parents cannot afford a violin.
$4,000 to Morton Library toward purchase of an electronic LED two-sided sign board at corner of Jefferson and Pershing streets.
$500 to Morton Girl Scout troop 4261 toward a back to school backpack donation program for needy children in Morton school district.
$500 to A/C Timber Ridge toward purchase of products and materials for construction of a portable Sensory Wall for people with disabilities.
$3,668 to Community Harvest Food Pantry toward purchase of a pallet stacker to allow for receipt and storage of larger food donations.
$2,500 to MYBA toward the renovations needed on the Press Boxes on Bronco and Pony Fields.
$30,450 - TOTAL 2011 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2010 GRANTS
$2,250 to Central Illinois Riding Therapy toward purchase of a Gator to help with hauling, snow removal & fast access to trails.
$1,000 to Apostolic Christian Services toward the purchase of a Double Bench Surrey for exercise & transportation of residents.
$1,150 to Central Illinois Youth Symphony toward the purchase of reusable music for the preparatory strings program.
$3,880 to Community Harvest to purchase a commercial refrigerator, pallets & pallet jack for use on their food pantry program.
$1,500 to South Side Mission?s Mission Mart in Morton for the purchase of 2 laptops to be used for the retail store operations.
$2,000 to Morton Jr High toward purchase of cherry & gray wall mats in the gymnasium.
$3,000 to Morton Girls Softball Association toward purchase of additional lighting for a softball field at Birchwood Park.
$2,000 to Morton High School toward the purchase of Kindles electronic book readers for the Novels classes.
$1,000 to Morton Orchestra Parents (M.O.P) to purchase a violin for use by students whose parents cannot afford a violin.
$2,000 to the Morton Public Library toward the purchase of furniture for a new teen area in the library.
$1,000 to the Morton Chamber of Commerce toward the purchase of recycling containers to be used at Pumpkin Festival.
$3,500 to the Morton High School band toward the purchase of portable acoustic shell sections to be used for performances.
$1,250 to Morton Youth Baseball Assoc. (MYBA) toward the purchase of a mower for Lion's Field.
$1,000 to TCRC toward the purchase of Sensory Room materials to help people with profound disabilities to learn to control their environment, to communicate and to explore.
$1,000 to the Morton Tourism Assoc. toward purchase of additional commercial grade flower planters to allow expansion of their beautification program to other areas in our community.
$2,500 to the Morton Chamber and Morton Tourism Assoc. toward the new Morton entryway sign project.
$30,030 - TOTAL 2010 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2009 GRANTS
$500 to AC Restmor toward Umbrellas for geriatric-friendly patio table/chairs in public courtyard, purchased in ?09
$5,169 to Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center for purchase of a new video projector for the theatre
$1,106 to Central IL Youth Symphony toward purchase of percussion instruments for the orchestra and percussion ensemble
$520 to Camp of Champions (new Morton location) for purchase of tables for serving lunch and providing activity space
$800 to Girl Scouts of Central IL for purchase of T-Shirts & printed materials for their Camp Exec career exploration & skills program
$618 to Lincoln Elementary School for cooking equipment to be used in the Cooking to Learn program
$850 to Morton Public Library toward purchase of scanner & computer to digitize historic photos of Morton
$3,912 to MJHS to purchase new entryway floor mats with school mascot and new school colors
$3,300 to Morton Park District toward support for new Movies in the Park program and MAP Kids Summer Theatre program
$2,000 to Morton Tourism Association toward purchase of new flower pot containers to beautify downtown Morton
$2,000 to MYBA toward purchase of new tractor for grooming ball diamonds
$1,000 to Tazewell County Children's Advocacy Center toward purchase of furniture for new family waiting area
$4,800 to Village of Morton to purchase an emergency siren control unit for electronic sirens
$650 to Morton Orchestra Parents to purchase equipment for recording and burning CD's for practice and student evaluation
$27,225 - TOTAL 2009 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2008 GRANTS
$1,100 toward US Flags & stands for Vietnam Healing Wall May 2008
$2,000 to TCRC toward their Capital Campaign for the new Morton Day Training facility
$3,300 to Morton Park District toward purchase of new swing set at Oakwood Park
$6,850 to Morton Public Library for purchase of a Curbside Return box
$1,000 to Morton Girls Softball Association for help with cost of wiring scoreboard and lighting softball field
$500 to Central IL Youth Symphony for purchase of music
$2,500 to Apostolic Christian Restmor for purchase of a geriatric-friendly patio table/chairs for public courtyard
$650 to Morton Orchestra Parents to purchase portable string bass rack and orchestral composing software
$1,500 to Morton Business Association toward purchase of hanging plant baskets for downtown light poles
$1,750 to Morton District 709 for outdoor benches at MHS
$1,500 to B.A.C.E. for purchase of computers/software
$500 for scholarship to art contest winner @ V Gallery art contest
$2,500 toward new sign at entrance to Morton
$25,650 - TOTAL 2008 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2007 GRANTS
$2,985 toward purchase of downtown Christmas decorations
$5,000 to Morton Park District for the Brenkman Indoor Batting Facility
$1,500 to TCRC to purchase tables and chairs
$1,000 to Morton School District 709 for a recognition case
$1,000 to Morton High School for construction of an Alumni Garden
$2,000 to Lettie Brown School for picnic tables
$500 to Jefferson School for window blocks
$2,000 to Morton Park District for an indoor playground at the indoor soccer facility
$300 to Morton Public Library for a portable sound system
$250 to Morton Public Library for literature racks
$320 to Morton Public Library for display carts
$16,855 - TOTAL 2007 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2006 GRANTS
$2,500 to We Care, Inc. to assist with purchase of new vehicle
$2,000 to Morton Park District for purchase of additional playground equipment
$2,000 to Before and After Christian Education (BACE) for purchase of a new vehicle
$2,000 to Morton Unit School District 709 for purchase of playground equipment at Grundy School
$1,600 to Tazewell Resource Center for group home appliances
$1,445 to Morton Public Library for video projection equipment and a foyer bench
$11,545 - TOTAL 2006 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2005 GRANTS
$4,000 to Morton Unit School District 709 for purchase and installation of a lighted sign at the Junior High School
$3,000 to Morton Park District to purchase and install bike trail amenities, including benches and bike racks
$2,000 to Morton Public Library to buy hardware needed to install a wireless network in the library and to purchase a TV/DVD/VHS combination for the library's public meeting rooms
$9,000 - TOTAL 2005 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2004 GRANTS
$2,000 to Morton Park District for a swing set at McClallen Park
$1,200 for a flag display to be placed in front of the new police station
$1,000 to Morton School District 709 for an enhanced and guided reading program for the elementary schools
$1,000 to Morton township for benches in the meditation garden at Hirstein Cemetery
$800 to Morton Public Library for a new display case
$6,000 - TOTAL 2004 COMMUNITY GRANTS
2003 GRANTS
$1,500 for a trophy case at Morton High School
$1,500 to Morton Park District for playground equipment at McClallen Park
$375 to Morton Public Library for book display unit
$500 to replace American flags downtown