DECATUR, Ill. -- As Millikin University approaches its 125th anniversary in 2026, the University is inviting alumni and friends to celebrate the milestone by making an even greater impact through a unique giving opportunity that also provides a significant state tax benefit.
Through a partnership with the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, Illinois donors can support Millikin through a qualified charitable fund and take advantage of the Illinois Gives Tax Credit, which offers eligible taxpayers a 25% Illinois state income-tax credit, in addition to any applicable federal charitable deduction.
The initiative allows donors to stretch their philanthropic dollars further while directly supporting Millikin’s mission and students.
“This partnership creates a powerful opportunity for our Illinois alumni and friends to invest in Millikin in a way that is both meaningful and financially advantageous,” said Rick Darnell, Vice President of University Advancement. “By leveraging the Illinois Gives Tax Credit, donors can amplify the impact of their generosity while helping advance the programs and experiences that define a Millikin education.”
Supporting Millikin Priorities
Gifts made through the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation may be directed to a variety of Millikin priorities, including:
- -Student scholarships and financial aid
- -Academic programs and faculty excellence
- -Performance Learning and student success initiatives
- -Existing named endowed scholarships or funds
The partnership is also tied to Millikin’s 125th anniversary theme, “Forever Blue,” which celebrates the lasting commitment of alumni and supporters to the University’s mission.
“As we honor 125 years of Millikin’s history, we are also looking forward with purpose,” Darnell said. “Our goal is to secure $1.25 million in gifts through community foundations during our anniversary year, ensuring that the values and opportunities that shaped generations of Big Blue students continue well into the future.”
Leaders at the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation emphasized the long-term value of stewarding these gifts in partnership with Millikin.
"This partnership with Millikin University reflects what the Illinois Gives program was designed to do, align generosity with long-term sustainability,” said Natalie Beck, Executive Director of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. “By building permanent endowment resources, we are not just supporting today’s needs, we are strengthening Millikin’s mission for generations to come."
Participation in the Illinois Gives Tax Credit program is limited statewide and available by application only, making early action important for interested donors.
As Millikin prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary, the partnership reflects both gratitude for the past and confidence in the future.
“This is a moment to reflect on what Millikin has meant to so many and to help shape what it will mean for those who come next,” Darnell said. “Every gift through this program affirms that the Millikin spirit remains strong — forever blue.”
To learn more about making a gift through the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation in support of Millikin University, visit https://www.heartofillinois.org/illinois-gives-tax-credit or contact Missy Batman at 217-429-3000 or mbatman@heartofillinois.org.
To arrange media coverage, contact Matt Flaten, Millikin University Assistant Director of Public and Media Relations, at 217-420-6636 or mflaten@millikin.edu.
About the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation
The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity comprised of more than 400 charitable funds with a vision to build community philanthropic resources to improve the quality of life for all residents of Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties. Their mission is to connect donors' philanthropic goals with area needs and, through leadership and community engagement, identify and address those needs.
