In 1964, nearly 150 civic leaders and local officials gathered to assess Champaign County’s environmental future. What these leaders discovered became a cause for immediate concern: unplanned growth, rapid urbanization, reduction of prime farmland, and loss of urban trees from the ravages of Dutch elm disease. The result was a negative impact on local natural and cultural resources. An independent, voluntary organization was needed to assist in halting these threats and preserving the environment of Champaign County, resulting in the formation of CCDC Foundation.
Supporting Champaign County Organizations
Between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 2019 — a 36 year period — CCDC made cash donations totaling more than $400,000 to the following organizations. Support ranged from $500 to $127.000.
- Champaign County Humane Society
- Champaign Park District
- City of Champaign
- Champaign Campustown 2000 Entryway Viaduct
- Champaign: Neil/Windsor Entryway
- Champaign County Envisioning Program
- Champaign County Forest Preserve
- Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
- City of Urbana
- Prairie Rivers Network
- Public Art League
- Rails To Trails Projects: CSX
- Rails To Trails Projects: Other
- Rantoul Park District
- Site Development Awards (Net)
- University of Illinois
- University of Illinois: Planning Institute
- Village of Savoy: Veterans Memorial
- Village of Savoy Entryway Project
- Urbana Park District
- US Geological Survey: IL Water Survey
CCDC Foundation Board Chairs:
- Morgan White (2020-Present)
- Steve Rugg (2009-2020)
- William Smith (2008-2009)
- Jerrold Soesbe (2006-2008)
- Timothy B. Bartlett (2005-2006)
- Miriam Iben (2004-2005)
- Bettye Kelso (2002-2003)
- Robert Espeseth (2000-2001)
- Maureen McCord (1998-1999)
- Bryan Johns (1996-1997)
- Cathy N. Daily (1994-1995)
- Lott H. Thomas (1992-1993)
- Gary L. Olsen (1990-1991)
- Roger A. Marsh (1988-1989)
- Michael Thompson (1986-1987)
- Thomas J. Costello (1984-1985)
- Bruce Hutchings (1982-1983)
- Glen C. Sanderson (1980-1981)
- John Gwinn (1978-1979)
- Hermenia Kruidenier (1977)
- Earl W. Porter (1975-1976)
- Robert Chamberlin (1974)
- Harold A. Miller (1973)
- Mary Lou Filby (1971-1972)
- Blair Lachlan (1969-1970)
- Susan Stone (1967-1968)