The Geneseo Foundation was founded based on a wish by George B. Dedrick to support the community of Geneseo and its vicinity in Illinois. With a focus on benefiting those in need and fostering the search for knowledge, the Foundation aims to improve the quality of life in Geneseo, making it a compassionate and better place for its citizens. It focuses on charitable, benevolent, civic, educational support, care for various vulnerable groups, scientific research, and other civic or charitable purposes as determined by its Board.
The Geneseo Foundation Grant program operates on foundational principles aiming to support a wide array of causes. This includes assisting charitable, educational, civic institutions, caring for the sick, aged, handicapped, orphaned, and needy individuals, promoting scientific or medical research, and other civic or charitable projects as selected by the Foundation's Board of Managers. The grant applications are reviewed monthly, emphasizing a diverse range of support to enhance community welfare and knowledge in the Geneseo area and beyond.