meet our wonderful COMMUNITY BUILDERS

In 2019, the CRM was awarded one of Re-AMP Network's Rapid Response Fund grants and funding went toward building the foundation of the CRM.

In 2020, the CRM was awarded a three-year rolling grant from The Women's Fund. Grant funding covered initial start-up costs and supported the development of the original foundation for the Workplace Training Program. 

In 2021, the CRM was awarded one of Westminster's Mission Outreach grants. This grant allowed the CRM to finish storage and display racks for the original CRM location in downtown Springfield, IL.

In 2022, the CRM was awarded one of the Community Foundation's Community Grants Program awards. Funding helped maintain services and expand CRM educational outreach. 

In 2024, the CRM received a RESTORE THE CORE micro-grant from the Smith/Stocks-Smith Family Foundation doing business as the Urban Action Network.  This grant, in part, helped launch the CRM's Art-Based SEL Alternative School Program, which uses art and creative reuse to support emotional growth and creative development for underserved and at-risk youth. 

In 2024, the CRM was awarded additional seed funds for its Art-Based SEL Alternative School program by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln through the Hanson Family Fund as well as Jane and Paul Ford Family Fund. These funds helped fill the gap on material and supply costs associated and needed to launch the program. 

 In 2024 and 2025, the CRM was awarded a General Operating Support (GOS) grant from the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) to help cover essential operational and maintenance costs tied to arts programming - providing critical support for funding areas that are often difficult to secure. 

In 2024 and 2025, the CRM was awarded a General  Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) grant from the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to assist youth in our community  with employment opportunities.

 In late 2025, the CRM was awarded the FY26 Regional Arts Partner Grant through the Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC). This funding helped fill a critical gap for the 2025–2026 academic year, allowing the Art-Based SEL Alternative School Program to continue through the end of the school year.