During the spring of 1998, the Elmwood City Council sponsored a community meeting. This endeavor was intended to provide a forum for discussing general community development. Throughout the summer of 1998, the group discussed and debated formal organizational structure, goals, objectives, motivations, etc. Having passed through a number of incarnations, the group ultimately formed into the Elmwood Community Foundation. Bylaws were drafted in the fall of 1998, Articles of Incorporation were filed in November 1998, and 501(c)(3) exemption status was received in February 1999.

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From its inception, the Elmwood Community Foundation mobilized into a dynamic organization endeavoring to identify and strengthen Elmwood's many assets and to reconcile its few liabilities. A number of priorities were identified: economic development, residential development, recreation, City promotion, tourism, and City needs. The Foundation began collecting, organizing, and compiling information about the community by utilizing a variety of technological resources (such as GIS and Internet technologies) and by forging strong relationships with the City of Elmwood, the Elmwood Association of Business, the local School District, the Peoria Area Economic Development Council, CILCO, the State Chamber, and
other organizations.

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As we have grown in our work and vision, the Elmwood Community Foundation's commitment to the Elmwood community remains strong and ambitious. The Elmwood Community Foundation also understands the importance of the dynamic environment the communities surrounding Elmwood in rural Peoria, Knox, and Fulton counties, continue to create for those living there. We believe in an environment that, in working together, will enhance the quality of life for all residents, businesses and organizations who share a common vision to make each of our rural communities strong and sustainable.

 

The Elmwood Community Foundation is proud to move into the future with our proven record of hard work and devotion. We remain dedicated to making Elmwood and our surrounding rural communities great places to work, to prosper, to visit, and to live.