Our History

The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-for-profit organization, was founded in Ottawa, Illinois by Chuck and Pamela Beckett on October 1, 2015 as one of 850 community foundations in the United States.

one of 850+ US community foundations

Founded on October 1, 2015 By Chuck & Pamela Beckett

Since its inception, SRCCF has established Donor Advised Funds, Designated Funds, Scholarships, Endowments and component funds such as the Women Inspired Network and The Arts of Staved Rock Country Fund. The Foundation partners with donors and organizations to financially support the environment, housing, food, education, health care, childcare, economic development, tourism, conservation, beautification and more.

“ To create a community foundation for our region was a dream of mine for many years. During my career, I experienced first-hand the impact that a community foundation has and knew that our families, friends, and businesses in Starved Rock Country deserved such an organization. “

Playing a pivotal role

Helping our community overcome

When thinking about the pivotal role the Foundation now plays, Pamela Beckett points to more than $545,000 of disaster and COVID-19 relief funding contributed to the SRCCF.

In February 2017, a tornado ripped through our community, and within twelve hours the Foundation created the Ottawa/Naplate Tornado Disaster Fund. Generous donors gave more than $360,000 to the Fund and, in partnership with other community organizations, an allocation team was created to ensure the equitable distribution of the funding. In 2020, the SRCCF was chosen to receive and distribute over $135,000 from various state partners for COVID relief in Starved Rock Country and a  Business Interruption Grant was also awarded to the SRCCF.

” I don’t believe this area would have been in receipt of that kind of money if we did not have a community foundation here, ” Beckett said.

” We are truly blessed to have enjoyed such meaningful partnerships and friendships with our outstanding Board of Directors, donors, staff, and volunteers. Chuck and I are both proud and humbled by the generosity of the people of Starved Rock Country and are sincerely grateful to all those who have entrusted the Foundation with their charitable contributions, and their faith in our mission. “