The Lumpkin Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 23-7423640
• Annual Giving: $3,600,601 (2023)
• Total Assets: ~$39 million (2023)
• Decision Time: 12 weeks (from LOI to award)
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $50,000
• Geographic Focus: East Central Illinois (17 counties), Chicago, and select national organizations
• Founded: 1953

Contact Details

Main Office: 1632 Broadway Avenue, Suite 201 Mattoon, IL 61938

Phone: 217-234-2095 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lumpkinfoundation.org Online Application Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/lumpkin/common/logon.aspx

Executive Director: Heidi Dusek (217-235-9475) Program Officer for Local Programs: Christina Krost (217-234-2076)

Overview

The Lumpkin Family Foundation was established in 1953 with a $100,000 gift from the estate of Besse A. Lumpkin of Mattoon, Illinois. The foundation has deep roots in East Central Illinois, originating from the Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company (ICTC) founded by the Lumpkin family in 1894. Now a multi-generational organization with approximately $39 million in assets, the foundation annually distributes around $3.6 million in grants.

The foundation's mission is "Supporting people working together to build healthy, sustainable communities in East Central Illinois and across the U.S." with a vision of "A Healthy, Sustainable World." While deeply committed to its East Central Illinois origins, particularly Coles County and surrounding areas, the foundation has strategically expanded its reach to include Chicago and select national organizations. The foundation is notable for its collaborative approach, co-founding Fresh Taste in 2002 and participating in joint grantmaking funds that distribute nearly $7 million annually.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Land, Health, Community (LHC) Program - East Central Illinois

• Average Grant: $30,000 (range: $2,500 - $50,000)
• Total Awarded: $5,160,475 across 222 grants (cumulative)
• Application Method: Two grant cycles per year with LOI and application phases
• Deadlines: LOIs due February-March and late in year; applications due February, April, and October
• 2026 Cycle: LOIs accepted February 2-March 6; Applications due April 17; Grants awarded May 6
• The foundation's largest grantmaking program, with minimum 50% of annual budget dedicated to East Central Illinois projects
• Focus: Holistically healthy rural communities, local food systems, agricultural economy, workforce development, community health, natural environment

2. Land, Health, Community-Chicago (LHC-C) Program

• Average Grant: $20,000 (range: $2,500 - $50,000)
• Total Awarded: $3,455,180 across 213 grants (cumulative)
• Application Method: One grant cycle in the fall
• 2026 Cycle: LOIs accepted August 17-September 18; Applications due October 30; Grants awarded November 26
• Special Categories:
  • Community Garden Grants: Up to $5,000 per garden
  • Inspirational Grants: Up to $10,000 for collaborative equity projects

3. Nature-Based Climate Action Program - East Central Illinois

• Average Grant: $25,000 (range: $2,500 - $50,000)
• Total Awarded: $3,408,955 across 91 grants (cumulative)
• Application Method: One grant cycle per year
• 2026 Cycle: LOIs accepted June 29-July 31; Applications due September 8; Grants awarded October 9
• Focus: Tree planting, prairie restoration, nature-based climate solutions
• Virtual information session: June 26 at 2:00 PM Central

4. Good Food Policy Program - National

• Typical Grants: $20,000
• Total Awarded: $1,805,000 (cumulative)
• Application Method: By invitation only
• Next Cycle: February 2026
• Focus: Federal policy advocacy, regenerative farming practices, food justice, agricultural policy reform

5. Neighborhood Fresh Programs - Chicago

• Austin Fresh: $1M+ per year (2021-2025)
• North Lawndale Fresh: $1M+ per year (2022-2026)
• Collaborative programs with multiple foundation partners
• Focus: Food access, community gardens, local food production, food enterprises

6. Wellness Grant Program

• Wellness Grants: Up to $2,500 for mental health and wellness of leaders and staff
• Sabbatical Leave Grants: Up to $10,000 for senior leaders (minimum 6-week sabbatical)
• Eligibility: LFF grantees who received funding in 2023-2025
• 2026 Cycle: LOIs accepted June 1-15; Grants awarded June 25
• Virtual information session: May 28 at 1:00 PM Central

Priority Areas

Core Focus Areas:

• Sustainable food systems and local food economies
• Mental health initiatives and wellness
• Regenerative agriculture and farming practices
• Environmental conservation and climate action
• Community health and health equity
• Food justice and access to healthy food
• Nature-based solutions and habitat restoration
• Youth engagement with nature and healthy eating
• Grassroots community organizing

Geographic Priorities: The foundation serves 17 counties in East Central Illinois: Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, Shelby, Vermilion, and Wayne. The foundation gives preference to rural organizations and those operating in Coles and surrounding counties.

Organizational Types Favored:

• Grassroots organizations with budgets under $500,000 (eligible for general operating grants)
• Collaborative, multi-partner initiatives
• Organizations serving communities without discrimination
• Organizations with independent audits available

What They Don't Fund

• Event sponsorships
• Grants to individuals
• Organizations that do not serve communities without discrimination
• Organizations that cannot provide records for independent audit

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The board includes five family members and three independent trustees. All trustees are subject to term limits of two three-year terms. The current chair is the first member of the sixth generation to serve in that capacity.

Family Trustees:

• Ila Duncan (President) - First "next gen" president after 10+ years of committee and board participation; works with philanthropy and social justice organizations
• Christina Duncan (Secretary) - Longtime board member and past president; interested in environmental sustainability
• Richard Dewyngaert (Treasurer) - Small business owner and artist in Philadelphia; Georgetown University graduate; owner of Head House Books
• Katherine Keon (Trustee) - Psychotherapist in Bay Area; involved in foundation work for 30+ years
• Will Vitale (Trustee) - Mental health counselor; 6th generation family member

Independent Trustees:

• Amarilis Pullen - Nonprofit and philanthropy leader; founder of Raíces Coaching
• Steve Shirar - Retired executive officer of Consolidated Communications, Inc.
• Chigozirim Sodeke - Associate Professor at Eastern Illinois University

Staff

Heidi Dusek - Executive Director (joined August 2025)

• 20+ years in community development, philanthropy, and systems change
• Background in grantmaking foundations, research and evaluation, public health, and K-12 education
• Quote: "What excites me most is the Foundation's heart for community. As my family and I settle into the Mattoon-Charleston area, I'm looking forward to listening, learning, and building relationships. It's a privilege to step into this role and work alongside the Lumpkin family, our partners, and local leaders to help strengthen the places people call home."

Christina Krost - Program Officer for Local Programs (217-234-2076)

• Background in environmental policy and community organizing

Lindy Wheatley - Grants & Operations Manager

• 4th generation East Central Illinois native

Adrienne Cole - Assistant Treasurer

• CPA; works with SKL Investment Group

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the foundation's online grantmaking system at https://www.grantinterface.com/lumpkin/common/logon.aspx. The foundation does not accept paper applications.

Two-Phase Process (for most programs):

1. Letter of Inquiry (LOI): Submit during designated LOI window for your program of interest
2. Full Application: Invited applicants submit full application if LOI is accepted

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) organization
• Must serve the community without discrimination
• Must keep records available for regular independent outside audit
• Must align with foundation's mission and geographic focus

Funding Type by Organization Size:

• Organizations with budgets under $500,000: Eligible for general operating grants
• Organizations with budgets $500,000 or more: Eligible for project-based funding only

Application Materials:

• Universal Letter of Inquiry form (available on website)
• Universal Application form (for invited applicants)
• Sample application forms are available on the website for review

Pre-Application Support:

• The foundation welcomes pre-application conversations
• These conversations will not affect application evaluation
• Current grant recipients should contact their Program Officer before reapplying

Decision Timeline

Total Process: Approximately 12 weeks from LOI submission to grant award

Typical Timeline:

1. Submit LOI during designated window
2. LOI review and notification (organizations notified via email)
3. Full application submitted (if invited)
4. Committee review (Foundation members and community volunteers)
5. Grant award decision

Notification Method: Email

Success Rates

The foundation does not publish specific success rate statistics or the number of applications received. Based on recent grant cycles:

• Land, Health, Community 2025: 15 grants awarded totaling $239,850
• Nature-Based Climate Action 2025: 13 grants awarded totaling $361,000
• Land, Health, Community-Chicago 2024: 31 grants awarded
• Wellness Grants 2025: 8 wellness grants and 4 sabbatical grants totaling $59,400

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not have a policy against applying for more than one grant. However:

• Applicants are encouraged to apply for the project with the "greatest impact"
• Current grant recipients should contact their Program Officer before submitting another application
• Organizations that have previously received a Wellness Grant are not eligible for another Wellness Grant (though they may be eligible for Sabbatical Leave Grants)

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Foundation Values

The foundation has articulated six core values that guide their work:

1. Value family and collaborative improvement - The foundation favors collaborative, multi-partner projects
2. Respect roots in East Central Illinois - Strong preference for rural organizations in Coles County and surrounding areas
3. Build trusting relationships through transparency - Open communication is valued
4. Commit to being a learning organization - They value innovation and continuous improvement
5. Responsible environmental stewardship - Projects demonstrating environmental benefits are favored
6. Commitment to just and equitable practices - Organizations must serve communities without discrimination

Strategic Priorities

Collaboration is Key: The foundation explicitly values collaborative initiatives. Inspirational Grants of up to $10,000 are specifically designated for proposals that are "collaborative in nature." Projects showing multiple community partners working together have greater success.

Grassroots Focus: With a specific category for grassroots organizations (budgets under $500,000) and eligibility for general operating support, smaller community-based organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Place-Based Impact: The foundation demonstrates deep commitment to East Central Illinois, allocating at least 50% of its annual grantmaking budget to the region. Understanding the local context and demonstrating community roots strengthens applications.

Systems Change Orientation: Through partnerships like Fresh Taste and the Chicago Region Food System Fund, the foundation seeks to address systemic challenges rather than just providing short-term fixes.

Recent Grantee Examples (2024-2025)

Land, Health, Community Program:

• Camp New Hope: $50,000 for equipment, seeds, materials, and staffing to improve native habitats
• Faith in Place: Multi-year core grant to support general operating expenses

Land, Health, Community-Chicago:

• Neighborspace: $225,000 for "Advanced Incubator Farm" supporting urban agriculture
• Circle Urban Ministries: $100,000 for "Seed 2 Success" fresh produce program with hydroponic farming
• GSJ Family Life Center: $132,000 for "Circle of Nourishment" nutrition and food sovereignty program
• One Earth Film Festival: $25,000

Nature-Based Climate Action: 13 grants totaling $361,000 for tree planting, prairie restoration, and nature-based climate solutions

Other Recent Grants:

• $40,000 for water quality improvement in Mattoon area, including Watershed Stewards education program and native plant kits distribution

Application Quality Tips

Time Investment: The foundation acknowledges that application time varies depending on project complexity. Sample applications are available on their website to help organizations prepare.

Review Process: A committee of Foundation members and community volunteers reviews applications. Applications should be written for a diverse audience, not just subject matter experts.

Post-Grant Reporting: The foundation requires post-grant reports, typically due 11-12 months after grant approval, with flexible metrics based on grantee context. Demonstrating strong evaluation and learning capacity is beneficial.

Geographic Eligibility: For East Central Illinois programs, organizations across all 17 eligible counties are encouraged to apply, with preference given to rural organizations and those in Coles and surrounding counties.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Collaboration strengthens applications: Multi-partner initiatives and collaborative proposals align with the foundation's core values and strategic approach. Consider partnership opportunities before applying.

2. Know your geography: For East Central Illinois programs, clearly demonstrate your connection to the region and local impact. The foundation has deep roots in Coles County and prioritizes rural communities in its original telephone service area.

3. Size matters for funding type: Organizations under $500,000 can request general operating support, while larger organizations must apply for project-based funding. This is a significant advantage for smaller grassroots organizations.

4. Start with the LOI: Most programs use a two-phase process starting with a Letter of Inquiry. This is less time-intensive than a full application and allows the foundation to provide guidance if you're invited to submit a full proposal.

5. Leverage the 12-week timeline: The foundation commits to a relatively quick turnaround of approximately 12 weeks from LOI to award. Plan your project timelines accordingly.

6. Focus on holistic community health: Successful applications demonstrate how projects contribute to "holistically healthy communities" - connecting food systems, mental health, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

7. Consider the Wellness Grant: If you're already a grantee from 2023-2025, the Wellness Grant program offers additional support of up to $2,500 (or $10,000 for sabbaticals) specifically for staff and leadership well-being - a relatively unique opportunity in the grantmaking world.

References

1. Lumpkin Family Foundation Official Website - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
2. Lumpkin Family Foundation "About Us" - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/about-us/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
3. Lumpkin Family Foundation "Our Team" - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/our-team/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
4. Lumpkin Family Foundation "FAQs" - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/faqs/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
5. Land, Health, Community Program - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/grant-program/land-health-community/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
6. Land, Health, Community-Chicago Program - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/grant-program/land-health-community-chicago/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
7. Nature-Based Climate Action Program - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/grant-program/nature-based-climate-action-program/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
8. Good Food Policy Program - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/grant-program/good-food-policy-program/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
9. Wellness Grant Program - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/grant-program/wellness-grant-program/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
10. Neighborhood Fresh Programs - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/grant-program/austin-fresh/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
11. Lumpkin Family Foundation Collaborations - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/collaborations/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
12. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Lumpkin Family Foundation - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/237423640 (Accessed February 5, 2026)
13. "LFF Welcomes New Executive Director" - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/lff-welcomes-new-executive-director/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
14. "Land, Health, Community Awards 2025 Grantees" - https://lumpkinfoundation.org/land-health-community-awards-2025-grantees/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
15. Cause IQ - The Lumpkin Family Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-lumpkin-family-foundation,237423640/ (Accessed February 5, 2026)
16. Tax Exempt World - The Lumpkin Family Foundation - https://www.taxexemptworld.com/organization.asp?tn=943616 (Accessed February 5, 2026)
17. Candid Foundation Directory - The Lumpkin Family Foundation - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=LUMP001 (Accessed February 5, 2026)