The Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation

Mission

To support a variety of charitable causes, primarily for the benefit of the residents of Henry County, Illinois, with a focus on educational assistance to students from Henry County, historic preservation/education purposes, religious purposes (specifically for the benefit of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod), and nursing home care for the needy.

Annual application deadlines

October 15

Program areas

Arts, culture, and humanities
Education
Health
Human services
Religion

Program limitations

At the request of the grantor, the foundation has a practice of primarily supporting organizations that provide educational assistance to students from Henry County, Illinois, historic preservation/education purposes, religious purposes (specifically for the benefit of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod), and nursing home care for the needy.

States served

Illinois

Geographic limitations

At the request of the grantor, the foundation has a practice of primarily supporting charitable organizations that operate in or benefit the residents of Henry County, Illinois.

Trustees

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

The Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation awards grants to a variety of charitable causes, primarily for the benefit of the residents of Henry County, Illinois, with a focus on educational assistance to students from Henry County, historic preservation/education purposes, religious purposes specifically for the benefit of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod and nursing home care for the needy.

Requirements

• To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Grantmaking priorities

Preference may be given to requests for the following:

• Educational assistance to students from Henry County, Illinois
• Historical preservation/education purposes
• Religious purposes
• Nursing Home Care

Average giving

Average grant size: $5,000 to $40,000
Average number of grants per year: 10
Average total giving per year: $200,000

Annual application period and deadlines

Applications must be submitted by October 15 to be reviewed at the annual grant meeting that occurs in December.

Communications

Applicants will receive an automated email confirming their submission. Grant decisions are generally communicated by February for applications received by the deadline.

Required agreements and reports

Periodic progress reports and final reports may be required for funded projects.

About the Foundation

The Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation was established by William S. Sherrard in 2001. Bill and Susan Sherrard were quiet people with a humble attitude, who never sought praise or recognition for their charitable activities. However, Bill and Susan’s benevolence is not something to ignore when describing their character. Bill loved farming and harness racing, and Susan was a teacher. Bill was also very passionate about history and preservation of artifacts. He showed this through countless hours of volunteering at the Geneseo Historical Museum. During their lives, Bill and Susan donated an elevator to the Geneseo Historical Museum and a grandstand cover at the Henry County Fair Grounds. Today, the Sherrard Foundation continues to provide resources to a multitude of organizations in Geneseo, Illinois that would not be the same without their generosity.