The Consolidated Communications Fund for Economic Development and Community Leadership is a philanthropic initiative aimed at strengthening the vitality and capacity of nonprofit organizations in Coles County. The fund reflects the values of the shareholders, managers, and employees of Consolidated Communications, who believe that thriving communities are built through the collaborative efforts of local leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and nonprofit staff and volunteers. It was created in recognition of the often undercapitalized yet high-potential nature of community-serving organizations and seeks to support their growth and impact.
The Fund focuses on two core areas: economic development and community leadership. Eligible projects are those that foster workforce development, entrepreneurial efforts, or improvements to the environment for local business growth. In this regard, the fund supports a variety of initiatives that promote skill-building and institutional capacity. Examples include professional development in fundraising, finance, marketing, communications, technology, and governance.
Grants may support both direct and indirect beneficiaries. Direct grants may be awarded to nonprofit organizations aiming to improve their own internal systems, while indirect support may go to intermediary organizations developing programs or services for the broader nonprofit community. Additionally, supported activities may include training sessions, infrastructure projects that enhance communication and coordination among nonprofits, and events such as speaker series aimed at nonprofit excellence and leadership development.
The 2025 grant cycle opens on August 26 and closes on October 7. All applications must be submitted within this window to be considered. While the specific funding range is not stated, the focus is on enhancing organizational effectiveness and encouraging innovation across the nonprofit sector. The fund prioritizes investments in knowledge and systems that elevate leadership, strategy, and community impact.
This grant opportunity is geographically limited to organizations operating within Coles County. Programs must align with the mission areas of economic development or community leadership and must demonstrate how the proposed activities will enhance local nonprofit effectiveness, support business innovation, or contribute to workforce readiness. The fund underscores the role of local institutions in shaping sustainable, empowered communities through long-term investment in people and systems.
Align proposals with one of the fund’s two focus areas — economic development or leadership — and clearly connect activities to measurable improvements in community outcomes.
