Welcome to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation

Rochelle, Creston, Kings, Lindenwood, Esmond, Steward. What do these communities have in common? They are served by the Rochelle Township High School and the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation provides a simple way for community members to support the causes and organizations they care most about. We thank our founder, the late Leonard Carmichael for his leadership in having the vision and generous spirit to have established this organization. Leonard had a great love for his Lord, his family, his fellow man and his community.

Leonard has left us his legacy. From his initial gift, with the generous giving of community members and local businesses, the Foundation has 1.4 million dollars in endowed assets. Leonard the farmer planted a seed and has entrusted the rest of us, his community, to nourish and grow it; that it’s fruits may multiply to feed generations to come.

Were you born here or did you come later and decide to make this area your home? Did your kids go to school here? Did they go to childcare here? What does your community mean to you and how can you be a part of making it a better place? What is your passion?

You don’t have to be rich to support the community foundation, you just have to care.

"It starts with an idea and a gift."

- Leonard Carmichael

Leonard's book, "Maplehurst, The Life and Times of Leonard LD Carmichael" is available through the Foundation. Read more. The Rochelle Area Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leave a legacy for future generations that will sustain the quality of life which we have enjoyed for decades.

"Remembering our founder, Leonard Carmichael, a farmer and a business man with a kind and compassionate heart."

DONORS

Initially the Rochelle Area Community Foundation was started through a generous gift from Leonard Carmichael. But his vision was that more donors, large and small, would donate to the foundation and make it truly a community foundation.
The vision is growing as more individuals learn of the value of having a community foundation. Board members have met with community and civic organizations to explain the merits of the foundation.

THANK YOU LETTERS

Rochelle Area Community Foundation receives thank you letters from some of the grants recipients:
Here you can read thanks given from the many grants recipients such as Central School, Cross Roads Community Church, Focus House, Hand in Hand, Hand in Hand card, Home of Hope, Hope, Hub City Center, Kings School, May Elementary School, Needy Family Food & Toys, Pegasus Special Riders, and more.

DONATE

Now we are asking for your help to grow the foundation and fulfill the vision of our founder, Leonard Carmichael. We truly believe that no gift is too small or insignificant. A true community foundation celebrates the gifts of everyone and we hope that you’ll join our list of donors by contacting a board member, calling or clicking the donate link above.