In 2015 we created the Mattoon Chamber Charitable Corporation (MCCC) and were granted 501(c)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service. This means that contributions to the Mattoon Chamber Charitable Corporation are tax deductible as donations. By separating the charitable functions of the Chamber from the day to day operations, the individuals and businesses who contribute to the charitable work of the Chamber can receive the benefit of the IRS status and the corresponding deduction.
Based on donations, the Chamber is able to contribute to promoting Mattoon and our businesses. The biggest example of using donated funds is the Mattoon Chamber Charitable Corporation’s Mattoon High School scholarship program. The Chamber has developed a program to award two (2), $1,000 scholarships for Mattoon High School seniors. One scholarship is for a Mattoon High School senior attending a traditional college or university and the other scholarship is for a senior seeking vocational training. The Chamber and our Board of Directors recognize the need to support area businesses that need vocationally trained individuals as well as traditional degreed graduates. We want to make sure vocational students also have the opportunity to gain financial support for their education.
The Chamber uses all 50/50 raffle proceeds generated during our Business After Hours and special events for our scholarship program. Attendees of our Business After Hours and other Chamber events have the opportunity to win half of all proceeds collected at our raffle drawings. Last year we received over the $2,000 needed to fund the scholarships through generous donations from members at our events. Many members even donated their entire winnings back to the Scholarship fund.
The application for Mattoon High School Seniors becomes available in March of 2019. If you know of a Mattoon High School senior who is interested in information regarding a scholarship opportunity, they may contact Kimberlee Ryan from The First National Bank Trust Department at 1117 Broadway Avenue East, call her at (217) 234-6430, or visit their website. Information is also available through the Guidance Counselor’s office at Mattoon High School. In March of 2019, we will have a link to the form on our website.
For complete details regarding the Mattoon Chamber Charitable Corporation including donations, utilization or other questions please Contact Ed Dowd at the Chamber Office. Ed can be reached at the office by calling (217) 235-5661 or by cell phone (217) 549-0442. You can send an e-mail to matchamber@consolidated.net, or stop by the office at 1518 Broadway in Mattoon.
