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Railsplitter Community Foundation
launches with transformational $1 million legacy gift
Judith Morley establishes charitable
legacy honoring her parents Arthur W. and Amanda E. Bree
[June 23, 2026]
LINCOLN, ILLINOIS — Community
leaders today announced the formation of the Railsplitter Community
Foundation, a new charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the
quality of life throughout Logan County and surrounding communities
through philanthropy, community leadership, and strategic
grantmaking.
The Foundation begins its work with a landmark commitment from the
Trust of Judith Morley. Pursuant to the wishes expressed in her
estate plan, a legacy distribution of one million dollars will be
made to the Railsplitter Community Foundation in Lincoln, Illinois,
to establish a lasting charitable legacy in honor of her parents,
Arthur W. Bree and Amanda E. Bree.
This extraordinary gift will serve as a cornerstone for the
Foundation's mission of enhancing the quality of life in the
community by fostering philanthropy, connecting donors with causes
that matter, and providing leadership on critical community issues.
“When I grew up in the fifties and
early sixties, Lincoln was a magical, vibrant community. Sadly,
given the growth of technology, demographic shifts, political
decisions, and the invasion of chain and "big box" stores, a lot of
the "magic" has disappeared. My gift is testimony to my belief in
the objectives of the Railsplitter Community Foundation and my
confidence in the individuals leading the effort,” said Morley.
"The generosity and foresight of Judith Morley provide an incredible
foundation upon which to build," said Dolan Dalpoas, Chair of the
Board of Directors. "Her gift honors her parents while creating
opportunities that will benefit countless individuals and families
throughout our region. We are deeply grateful for this expression of
confidence in the future of our community."
Founded in 2025 as a 501c3 nonprofit and headquartered in Lincoln,
Illinois, the Railsplitter Community Foundation has been established
to foster philanthropy, support educational opportunities, grant
scholarships, improve health and well-being, and strengthen the
social and economic vitality of the communities it serves. “The
creation of the Railsplitter Community Foundation marks an important
milestone for our region,” said Dalpoas. “Our mission is to enhance
the quality of life in our community by bringing together donors,
nonprofits, civic leaders, and residents to invest in education,
health and the over well-being of our citizenry.”
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Governed by a Board of
Directors composed primarily of Logan County residents, the
Foundation will oversee strategic grantmaking and community
investment initiatives. Through its grantmaking process, the
Foundation will provide funding to qualified nonprofit
organizations, schools, government agencies, and other eligible
entities whose work aligns with its charitable mission. Funding
priorities will focus on initiatives that strengthen local
communities through inclusive, equitable, and measurable impact.
The Railsplitter Community
Foundation is designed to be both responsive and enduring—addressing
today’s pressing needs while building permanent charitable resources
for generations to come. The Foundation will work closely with
individuals, families, and businesses to help establish charitable
funds that reflect their passions and values, creating meaningful
local impact both now and for future generations. In the coming
months, the Foundation will begin outreach to donors, nonprofit
partners, and community stakeholders, with additional announcements
planned regarding philanthropy opportunities, grantmaking
initiatives, and public engagement events.
For more information about the Railsplitter Community Foundation or
to learn how to support its mission, please contact:
Railsplitter Community Foundation
railsplittercf.org
About the Railsplitter Community Foundation
The Railsplitter Community Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit
charitable organization based in Lincoln, Illinois, serving Logan
County and surrounding communities. The Foundation's mission is to
enhance the quality of life in the community by fostering
philanthropy, connecting donors with causes that matter, and
providing leadership on critical community issues.
[Provided by Dolan Dalpoas]
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