Foundation

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation fuels destination growth through film, talent, and events. We invest in projects like the African American Heritage Trail to amplify culture, spark economic growth, and build a vibrant, inclusive region.

FY25 Annual Report

FY25 ECU Foundation Annual Report

• What We Do
• Champaign County African American Heritage Trail
• Event Bids
• Talent Attraction
• Champaign County Film Office
• How to Support Us

As a Destination Partner, your investment will help fund the following numerous initiatives:

• Place competitive bids to recruit and retain major events that bring in visitors, provide enjoyment for our residents and increase economic growth
• Provide support for destination development projects that increase the quality of life living in this community
• Provide recruiting resources, programs and marketing support to assist area employers, from the University of Illinois to Carle, in recruiting and educating new staff in the community 
• Manage the Champaign County Film Office

Recent initiatives include the Hospitality Relief Fund, Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Boys Basketball Tournament, African American Heritage Trail and the Chambana Welcome Crew program. See our 2024 Foundation Year in Review for more details.  The Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation annually hosts the Toast to Tourism in May, awarding Brilliant Spirit Awards to those whose efforts have paved the way for tourism to the greater Champaign-Urbana area or enhanced the visitor experience.

Why I Give

Year in review

Stay up-to-date on the impact the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation is having in the community. Check out our year-end reviews below.

2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022

Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation Trustees

Lynne Barnes Chair - University of Illinois	RACHEL COVENTRY Vice Chair - Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch	Jesse Hines Treasurer - Hilton Garden Inn	JAYNE DELUCE Secretary - Experience Champaign-Urbana
Annie Easterday Pear Tree Estate	JOHN HAMMOND Unit #116 School District	Jeff Kurtz Gies College of Business	MAX MITCHELL ReMax
KATIE MILLER MH	SUSAN MUIRHEAD University of Illinois College of Media	LOWA MWILAMBWE University of Illinois	Jami Painter University of Illinois System
JON SALVANI University of Illinois, College of Fine & Applied Arts	Stephanie Seay Heartland Coca-Cola	Zachary Sehy Christie Clinic	Leslie Lundy Assistant Treasurer, Ex-Officio

Support the Foundation

To support the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation, donate below or for more information, please contact Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO at 217-351-4133 or by email.

Brilliant Community Builders 

Our Brilliant Community Builders are forward-thinking entities that invest strategically in events, talent, and cultural initiatives that shape the future of the greater Champaign-Urbana area. These partners see beyond today to invest in tomorrow—fueling cultural vitality, economic development, and community pride through strategic giving. Learn more about our year-long giving program or our program-specific opportunities.

SPARK

BECOME A Brilliant Community Builder

Contact us to talk about your goals for strengthening the economic vitality of our region so we can create the partnership package that’s right for you.