What is the Lumpkin Family Foundation?

Who we are: The Lumpkin Family Foundation is a private, family foundation created in 1953 from the estate of Besse A. Lumpkin of Mattoon, Illinois.  We are a multi-generational, family-governed organization whose programs reflect the collective aspirations of a diverse family living in communities across the country. 

We make grants and conduct programs that support people working together to build healthy, sustainable communities in East Central Illinois and beyond.

Where we work: We are devoted to the region of East Central Illinois, where the Lumpkin family operated a business for more than 100 years.  However, we look at the world holistically, through a systems lens, and direct resources elsewhere when it aligns with our goals.

How we work: We understand the Foundation's role as existing along a continuum - from responsive grant-making to the execution of our own programs that aim to spur innovation, foster leadership and encourage new approaches to old problems.

We appreciate the special needs of the mostly small and rural communities where we work, and we do our best to leverage additional resources and enhance local philanthropy.

We strive to be a learning organization. We believe in action, evaluation and continuous improvement.  Much of our grant-making supports collaboration and networks to support learning, develop understanding of issues, and encourage work across organizations and sectors.

For more about our Foundation's history see About.