In Sympathy: Donna Atkinson
Rev. Donna Atkinson, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on January 24, 2026.
Posted: November 29 2023 at 09:05 AM
Author: Rev. Libby Rutherford, Apple River UMC & Scales Mound UMC
Is your church in a small town or rural area (that is, not in an urban or suburban location)? Have you been dreaming of a creative ministry opportunity in your community, but need a little financial help?
The Northern Illinois Conference offers two grants that are funded by a bequest from Martin Keagy, who had a big heart for small-town and rural churches. The PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) grants range from $100 to $500. Qualified ministries are meant to bless the church’s neighbors and show them the love of Jesus Christ. The Keagy Grants range from $500 to $5000. These are for larger ministry projects that benefit the community and strengthen the church through evangelism, discipleship, justice, and compassion.
Grant recipients present their ministries at the Keagy Festival, held in the fall, where they show what God did through them and to encourage each other. This year’s Keagy Festival took place at Grace United Methodist Church in Dixon, which showed the group amazing hospitality.
Grant recipients in 2023 have fostered community with teens, senior citizens, teachers, sports teams, children, and LGBTQ+ persons. Food pantries, community meals, and meals for Ukraine also received grants.
Rev. Libby Rutherford now leads the Keagy Committee. Please contact her at rutherford.libby@gmail.com if you have any questions about these grants.
The deadline to apply is March 31.