Lincoln College campus
Abraham Lincoln splitting rails
Abraham Lincoln — The Original Rail Splitter
Logan County Courthouse
Lincoln & Logan County, IL

Building a Stronger Future
for Lincoln & Logan County, IL

Connecting generosity with purpose to enhance the quality of life in our community.

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2025
Founded
100%
Local Impact
Lincoln & Logan Co., IL
Primary Service Area
Railsplitter Community Foundation
Who We Are

A Foundation Rooted in Lincoln & Logan County's Values and Heritage

The Railsplitter Community Foundation is a local philanthropic organization inspired by Abraham Lincoln's legacy of integrity, resilience, and service. We exist to bring people together around what matters most—our community.

We connect donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to create meaningful, lasting impact where it is needed most.

Our Mission

To enhance the quality of life in our community by fostering philanthropy, connecting donors with causes that matter, and providing leadership on critical community issues.

Our Vision

A thriving, healthy community where generosity drives opportunity and collaboration creates lasting impact.

Why It Matters

Real Challenges.
Local Solutions.

Like many communities across the Midwest, Lincoln & Logan County, IL faces real challenges. We believe the solutions already exist within our community. Our role is to bring people, resources, and ideas together to make them happen.

  • EducationGaps in educational access and youth opportunity
  • EconomyLimited job growth and economic opportunity
  • HealthcareGaps in healthcare and mental health services
  • PopulationDecline and loss of young talent
  • SeniorsIncreasing needs of an aging population
  • Basic NeedsFood insecurity and poverty
What We Do

How We Make an Impact

🤝

Support Local Nonprofits

We fund and support community organizations and initiatives that drive meaningful change in Lincoln & Logan County, IL.

🎓

Education & Scholarships

We invest in students, schools, and learning opportunities to build the next generation of community leaders in Lincoln & Logan County, IL.

💛

Connect Donors to Causes

We help generous individuals and businesses find the causes that align with their values and maximize their impact.

💬

Lead Community Conversations

We convene leaders, nonprofits, and residents to tackle the issues that shape our region's future.

📋

Provide Targeted Grants

Our grantmaking program directs resources toward initiatives with real, measurable local impact.

🌱

Build Long-Term Resources

We invest in permanent funds and endowments to strengthen our region for generations to come.

🗺️

Serve as Community Stewards

Every dollar given through the Foundation is managed with full transparency and accountability.

Be part of building something lasting.

Whether you give, partner, or simply stay connected, you are helping shape the future of our community.

Donate Get Involved
About Us

Our Story & Values

Learn about the Foundation, what drives us, and the people who guide our work.

Our Story

Established to Keep Local Generosity Local

The Railsplitter Community Foundation was established in 2025 to serve Lincoln & Logan County, IL and surrounding communities. Built on grassroots values, the Foundation was created to ensure that local generosity stays local and is used to address the needs that matter most.

We are a steward of community trust, working to ensure every dollar given creates meaningful and lasting impact.

"Inspired by Abraham Lincoln's legacy of integrity, resilience, and service, we exist to bring people together around what matters most."

— Railsplitter Community Foundation

Our Values

What Guides Us

Integrity

We steward resources with full transparency and accountability to our donors, partners, and community.

Collaboration

We believe the best solutions come from working together — across sectors, perspectives, and generations.

Innovation

We embrace new ideas and approaches to solve the evolving challenges our community faces.

Community Voice

We listen first and act with our community — not for it. Local priorities drive every decision we make.

Who We Serve

Focused on Lincoln & Logan County, IL and Surrounding Region

Our primary focus is Lincoln & Logan County, IL, and the surrounding region. We support initiatives that improve education, health, economic opportunity, and overall quality of life.

  • Education and youth development
  • Health and mental wellness
  • Economic opportunity and workforce growth
  • Support for seniors and vulnerable populations
  • Food security and basic needs
Our Service Area
Lincoln & Logan County, IL
Lincoln, Illinois 62656 and surrounding communities
We are a place-based foundation committed to ensuring every investment creates lasting value in the communities where our donors live and work.
Leadership

Our Board of Directors

The Foundation is governed by a local Board of Directors committed to representing and serving the community with integrity and care.

Board member information will be posted soon.

Giving

Make an Impact That Lasts

Giving through the Railsplitter Community Foundation is one of the most effective ways to support the causes you care about—right here at home.

Why Give Through Us

Your Generosity, Thoughtfully Directed

We ensure every contribution is managed with care and connected to real community needs.

  • Thoughtfully directed to verified needs
  • Responsibly managed with full transparency
  • Aligned with real community priorities
  • Stays local — every dollar serves Lincoln & Logan County, IL
Our Commitment

We serve as a bridge between those who want to give and the needs that matter most — ensuring every contribution becomes a building block for a stronger future.

Ready to Give?

Contact us to discuss how your gift can make the greatest impact in our community.

Contact Us to Learn More
Ways to Give

Find the Right Giving Option for You

01

General Community Fund

Support the Foundation's work broadly. Gifts to the general fund are directed to the most pressing community needs.

02

Donor-Advised Funds

Establish a named fund and recommend grants over time. A flexible, tax-smart way to give to causes you care about most.

03

Field of Interest Funds

Direct your gift to a specific area — education, health, economic development, or another cause that matters to you.

04

Legacy & Planned Giving

Create a lasting legacy through a bequest, trust, or estate gift that will serve the community for generations to come.

Ready to Start Giving?

We make it simple to give in a way that reflects your values and creates the impact you envision.

Start Giving Contact Us to Learn More
Grants

Supporting Local Impact

We are building a grantmaking program designed to support organizations and initiatives that improve life in our community.

Our Approach

Grantmaking Guided by Community

Our focus areas will be guided by the real needs of our community, strong local partnerships, and a commitment to measurable, lasting impact.

  • Community-identified needs
  • Strong local partnerships
  • Measurable, lasting impact
What to Expect

Our Commitments as We Grow

📋 Launch a transparent grant application process
🏛️ Provide funding to nonprofits and community groups
📊 Share the impact of every funded initiative
🌟

Grant Programs Coming Soon

We are grateful to every organization reaching out to the Railsplitter Community Foundation. Supporting initiatives that strengthen Logan County is at the heart of our mission.

Our grantmaking programs are currently being developed and will be formally launched in the months ahead. As funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application windows are established, they will be announced here and through our public communications. We encourage you to stay connected and check back often.

Stay Connected — Contact Us
Education Health & Wellness Economic Development Senior Services Food Security Infrastructure
News & Announcements

Foundation News

Stay up to date on the latest announcements, milestones, and community impact from the Railsplitter Community Foundation.

Press Release June 22, 2026

Railsplitter Community Foundation Launches with Transformational $1 Million Legacy Gift

Judith Morley Establishes Charitable Legacy Honoring Her Parents Arthur W. and Amanda E. Bree

LINCOLN, ILLINOIS — June 22, 2026 — Community leaders today announced the formation of the Railsplitter Community Foundation, a new charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life throughout Logan County and surrounding communities through philanthropy, community leadership, and strategic grantmaking.

The Foundation begins its work with a landmark commitment from the Trust of Judith Morley. Pursuant to the wishes expressed in her estate plan, a legacy distribution of one million dollars will be made to the Railsplitter Community Foundation to establish a lasting charitable legacy in honor of her parents, Arthur W. Bree and Amanda E. Bree.

This extraordinary gift will serve as a cornerstone for the Foundation’s mission of enhancing the quality of life in the community by fostering philanthropy, connecting donors with causes that matter, and providing leadership on critical community issues.

“When I grew up in the fifties and early sixties, Lincoln was a magical, vibrant community. My gift is testimony to my belief in the objectives of the Railsplitter Community Foundation and my confidence in the individuals leading the effort.”

— Judith Morley

“The generosity and foresight of Judith Morley provide an incredible foundation upon which to build,” said Dolan Dalpoas, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her gift honors her parents while creating opportunities that will benefit countless individuals and families throughout our region. We are deeply grateful for this expression of confidence in the future of our community.”

Founded in 2025 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and headquartered in Lincoln, Illinois, the Railsplitter Community Foundation has been established to foster philanthropy, support educational opportunities, grant scholarships, improve health and well-being, and strengthen the social and economic vitality of the communities it serves.

Governed by a Board of Directors composed primarily of Logan County residents, the Foundation will oversee strategic grantmaking and community investment initiatives. Through its grantmaking process, the Foundation will provide funding to qualified nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies, and other eligible entities whose work aligns with its charitable mission.

In the coming months, the Foundation will begin outreach to donors, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders, with additional announcements planned regarding philanthropy opportunities, grantmaking initiatives, and public engagement events.

Media Contact

Railsplitter Community Foundation — info@railsplittercf.org — (217) 651-4213

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
Lincoln College students on campus
YMCA youth soccer program in Lincoln

Addressing What Matters Most

We are focused on the issues that shape the future of Lincoln & Logan County, IL — and we are building the partnerships to address them.

Where We Work

📈

Economic Development & Workforce

Supporting job growth, entrepreneurship, and workforce development to create lasting economic opportunity.

🎓

Education & Youth Opportunities

Investing in young people and education to build the next generation of community leaders.

🏥

Health & Mental Health Access

Improving access to healthcare and mental health services for residents across the county.

👴

Support for Seniors

Addressing the growing needs of an aging population with dignity, care, and community support.

🍎

Food Security & Basic Needs

Reducing food insecurity and connecting residents with resources that meet essential daily needs.

🔌

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Advancing technology access and infrastructure to keep Lincoln & Logan County, IL competitive and connected.

Bringing the Right People to the Table

We bring together nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to collaborate on solutions that create long-term impact. The Foundation does not work alone — we are a connector, convener, and catalyst.

Partner With Us
Who We Bring Together
  • Local nonprofits and service organizations
  • Business and civic leaders
  • Generous individual donors
  • Government and public institutions
  • Healthcare and education partners
  • Faith communities and neighborhood groups

Help Shape the Future of Lincoln & Logan County, IL

Join us in building a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Donate Get Involved
Contact

Get in Touch

We would love to connect with you — whether you want to give, partner, or simply learn more about our work.

Reach Us

We'd Love to Hear From You

Have a question about giving, grants, or getting involved? Reach out and a member of our team will be in touch.

📍

Mailing Address

PO Box 122
Lincoln, Illinois 62656

✉️

Email

info@railsplittercf.org
📞

Phone

(217) 651-4213
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