Recipients accept awards from the recently created foundation
Newton (Aug. 27, 2026) –On August 27, 2026, The Orell Farley Foundation awarded grants to eight organizations from Jasper County, Illinois. During the awards presentation, held at The Peoples State Bank located in Newton, Illinois, a total of $36,918.74 was given to the various organizations chosen to receive funding for their projects. Grant recipients were as follows:
- Jasper County Boys & Girls Park, Inc. $7,000 To aid in the remodel of the Junior diamond diamond backstop & replacing fencing.
- JCCU#1, Choral & Theater Department $10,000 To aid in the to purchase a new theater projection system.
- St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School $12,288 To purchase forty-five (45) Asus Chromebooks for 5th-8th grade students.
- Jasper County CEO $3,293.04 To aid in the expenses for the 2026-27 school year including a year-end event for students
- Saved by Grace Animal Rescue $500 To aid in the 2026 Spay and Neuter Community Project.
- JCCU#1,R.E.A.D. Program/Ms. Ginger Robins $2,000 To aid in the purchase of books to maintain the quality and variety of options available to students.
- Jasper County Farm Bureau Foundation $838.70 To purchase three (3) incubators & a large grow-light for use by the Ag in the Classroom Coordinator.
- JCCU#1, Newton Elementary/ $999 To aid in the purchase of t-shirts and lesson materials for all participants.Dawn Meinhart, Strong Girls and B.O.Y.S. Coordinator
The Orell Farley Foundation, initially funded in 2018, benefits qualified organizations in Jasper County, Illinois that sponsor projects and activities that enhance the public health, safety, recreation and education for the use and enjoyment of the general public within the county. To be considered, an organization must be either a tax-supported governmental unit or entity, or must be a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(3) and must be located in Jasper County. Thanks to Mrs. Farley’s generosity, the residents of Jasper County will greatly benefit. Grant applications for the annual awards of The Orell Farley Foundation may be obtained from the Trust Department of The Peoples State Bank located at 100 West Washington Street in Newton, Illinois. The deadline for submission of applications is July 31 each year. An advisory board reviews the applications and determines the awards given each year.
