Charities in nine counties have a chance to apply for grants through the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois.

The foundation gives away nearly $1 million a year to non-profit organizations and scholarship recipients in Champaign, Coles, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Iroquois, Moultrie, Piatt and Vermilion counties.

Proposals for grants in the areas of arts and humanities, environment, education, health and human services, urban affairs and youth activities are being accepted.

To be eligible, organizations must have an IRS certification of tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) status or comparable non-profit public charitable status and serve residents of East Central Illinois.

For more information see the website at http://www.cfeci.org

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