Second WCIL Gives nearly triples first-year totals

Published 8:31 am Tuesday, June 23, 2026

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Work already is underway for the third annual WCIL Gives effort after a successful second year.

“We have a page of feedback and ideas for next year,” said Callie Niederhauser, program manager at the Tracy Family Foundation which spearheaded this month’s four-day giving event. “The planning never stops.”

The second annual online event wrapped up June 11, raising $463,959 for 73 participating nonprofits, churches and schools — nearly three times the amount raised in its first year.

The foundation reported that 2,254 donors came together to support causes strengthening communities across West-Central Illinois, and organizations secured more than $102,000 in matching gifts.

“Generosity empowers change, and WCIL Gives is proof of what is possible when a community comes together around causes that matter,” Niederhauser said. “The funds raised during these four days will help organizations continue important work that strengthens our region all year long.”

But Niederhauser’s quick to say the foundation can’t take credit for the event’s growth.

“It’s the community and how they showed up to support the causes and hard work of schools, churches and organizations who spent the week persevering through a fundraising marathon,” she said. “We saw unmatched creativity. We saw all the hard work that went into this year. That’s why it grew so much.”

The event’s first year focused on building credibility, while this year shifted toward boosting awareness and getting people excited about the opportunities involved. Year Three could see a larger emphasis on marketing the event.

“We know there’s that potential to grow,” Niederhauser said.

This year’s event saw 1,426 people give to an organization for the first time ever, generating excitement moving forward tied to new donors whose generosity will allow the organizations to “give and serve and make our community a better place,” Niederhauser said.

Participating organizations also competed throughout the event for $56,000 in prize grants made possible through support from the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the J.W. Gardner II Foundation and the Moorman Foundation.

WCIL Gives was created to inspire philanthropy, raise awareness for local causes and provide an easy way for community members to support organizations making a difference close to home. The foundation covered all platform fees, ensuring that 100% of online donations went directly to participating organizations.