Heart of Illinois Community Foundation

LISTEN: Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Sunshine Supplies for Teachers partner on relief for tornado damaged classrooms June 9, 2026 - Andrea Gerhard of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Crystal Hoadley of Sunshine Su...

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is honored to serve as the home of the Warren Daniel Hardy Foundation Fund, whose support has helped make Hardy’s: Race for the Lake possible. Thanks to Dan Hardy’s vision, generosity, and commitment to our community, competitive boat racing has returned to Decatur and grown into a nationally recognized event that attracts visitors from across the country.

Best wishes to all of the racers, volunteers, organizers, and spectators for a safe and exciting weekend on the water. We look forward to cheering you on!

As we get ready for the 2026 APBA Inboard Racing Nationals tomorrow, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to Dan Hardy.

The support of the Warren Daniel Hardy Foundation played a vital role in bringing competitive boat racing back to Decatur. In just three years, Hardy’s: Race for the Lake has evolved into a premier event that draws racers and fans from across the nation.

This event would not be what it is today without Dan’s passion, generosity, and belief in our community. Thank you, Dan, for helping create an event that has become a highlight of the summer and a source of pride for Decatur.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the lake for another exciting weekend of racing!

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) has once again received re-accreditation through Community Foundations National Standards, the nation's highest standard for philanthropic excellence. HICF first earned National Standards accreditation in 2006.

The National Standards program establishes rigorous legal, ethical, and effective operational practices for community foundations. With this reaccreditation, HICF joins more than 500 community foundations nationwide that have met these comprehensive requirements for donor services, investment management, grantmaking, and administration. This reaccreditation is required for foundation's to participate in the Illinois Gives endowment program.

"This recognition is critically important to our donors, who value transparency, integrity, and accountability," said Chasity Casey, Chief Financial Officer of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and coordinator of the accreditation process. "When individuals, families, and organizations establish charitable funds or make planned gifts, they are placing tremendous trust in our foundation. They are counting on us to steward those assets responsibly and honor their charitable intentions. National Standards accreditation provides independent verification that our organization meets the highest standards of excellence and that our house is in order."

The HICF currently manages more than $67 million in charitable assets and has awarded more than $70 million in grants since its founding in 2000, supporting nonprofits, students, and community initiatives across Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt counties.