DECATUR, Ill. -- As approaches its 125th anniversary in 2026, the University is inviting alumni and friends to celebrate the milestone by making an even greater impact through a unique giving opportunity that also provides a significant state tax benefit.
Through a partnership with the , Illinois donors can support 探花社区 through a qualified charitable fund and take advantage of the Illinois Gives Tax Credit, which offers eligible taxpayers a 25% Illinois state income-tax credit, in addition to any applicable federal charitable deduction.
The initiative allows donors to stretch their philanthropic dollars further while directly supporting 探花社区鈥檚 mission and students.
鈥淭his partnership creates a powerful opportunity for our Illinois alumni and friends to invest in 探花社区 in a way that is both meaningful and financially advantageous,鈥 said Rick Darnell, Vice President of University Advancement. 鈥淏y leveraging the Illinois Gives Tax Credit, donors can amplify the impact of their generosity while helping advance the programs and experiences that define a 探花社区 education.鈥
Supporting 探花社区 Priorities
Gifts made through the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation may be directed to a variety of 探花社区 priorities, including:
- -Student scholarships and financial aid
- -Academic programs and faculty excellence
- -Performance Learning and student success initiatives
- -Existing named endowed scholarships or funds
The partnership is also tied to 探花社区鈥檚 125th anniversary theme, 鈥淔orever Blue,鈥 which celebrates the lasting commitment of alumni and supporters to the University鈥檚 mission.
鈥淎s we honor 125 years of 探花社区鈥檚 history, we are also looking forward with purpose,鈥 Darnell said. 鈥淥ur goal is to secure $1.25 million in gifts through community foundations during our anniversary year, ensuring that the values and opportunities that shaped generations of Big Blue students continue well into the future.鈥
Leaders at the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation emphasized the long-term value of stewarding these gifts in partnership with 探花社区.
"This partnership with 探花社区 University reflects what the Illinois Gives program was designed to do, align generosity with long-term sustainability,鈥 said Natalie Beck, Executive Director of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. 鈥淏y building permanent endowment resources, we are not just supporting today鈥檚 needs, we are strengthening 探花社区鈥檚 mission for generations to come."
Participation in the Illinois Gives Tax Credit program is limited statewide and available by application only, making early action important for interested donors.
As 探花社区 prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary, the partnership reflects both gratitude for the past and confidence in the future.
鈥淭his is a moment to reflect on what 探花社区 has meant to so many and to help shape what it will mean for those who come next,鈥 Darnell said. 鈥淓very gift through this program affirms that the 探花社区 spirit remains strong 鈥 forever blue.鈥
To learn more about making a gift through the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation in support of 探花社区 University, visit or contact Missy Batman at 217-429-3000 or mbatman@heartofillinois.org.
To arrange media coverage, contact Matt Flaten, 探花社区 University Assistant Director of Public and Media Relations, at 217-420-6636 or mflaten@millikin.edu.
探花社区 the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation
The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity comprised of more than 400 charitable funds with a vision to build community philanthropic resources to improve the quality of life for all residents of Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties. Their mission is to connect donors' philanthropic goals with area needs and, through leadership and community engagement, identify and address those needs.
