A Legacy Gift and a Bold Challenge
Since the launch of Cornerstone Christian Academy’s BOLD VISION, BIG GOD capital campaign in 2024, several sacrificial and substantial gifts have been generously committed in support of CCA’s future. A recent landmark gift launches a historic challenge: TO RAISE $4 MILLION by NOVEMBER 1, 2026, to ensure the proposed Arts and Athletics Facility currently in the detailed design phase can move seamlessly into the bidding and construction phases. Propelling the project forward meets educational objectives, maximizes the funds already secured, and presents transformational opportunities to pursue CCA’s mission and promote excellence in Christian education.
Since 2020, enrollment has grown by 170 students. We praise God for this growth and the extended reach of a Christ-focused education to more Central Illinois students, and we desire that these transformational opportunities continue well into the future. In 2023, local architectural and construction firms helped us identify our need for more classroom and gym space as well as more intentionally designed instructional spaces for our fine arts classes to better serve the students God has entrusted to us and to ensure that our facilities aid in accomplishing our mission. At the time of those conversations, it was estimated that such a project would cost $8.5 million. We recognized these were estimated costs and that construction costs would increase before we would be ready to put shovels in the ground.
We began to share the vision for an Arts and Athletics Facility addition in November of 2024. Understanding that the projected costs would change, we set a capital funding goal of $10 million. In just over 18 months, God has brought in nearly $6.5 million in gifts, pledges, and interest on savings that have been designated for building. This is truly UNBELIEVABLE! Only God could accomplish such an amazing thing.
In January, the CCA Board of Trustees determined that it was time to take the next steps toward bringing the vision to life. We are moving forward in faith to secure pre-construction documents necessary to take the project to bid. In early May, we received several schematic designs reflecting a variety of floorplans. Estimated construction costs are largely dependent on square footage and have been impacted by inflation. We are working with our architects and construction management team to revise the design to get as close to our original fundraising goal as possible without compromising excellence.
This process is a significant investment of time and funds. We want to be sure that both are stewarded well and that the process results in a plan that can feasibly be executed in a timely manner. We are confident in the direction God is taking us, and we are trusting that He will provide as we step out in faith.
A Transformational Opportunity.
This “$4 MILLION BY NOVEMBER 1” challenge is issued by donors who understand the urgency of the current need to expand the facility’s footprint and the legacy that participation in this effort can have for generations to come. November 1st is significant because the funds in hand by that date will determine whether or not we can take the project to bid during the ideal January/February bidding window to allow for a spring groundbreaking and spring/summer construction. This timeline allows for the best pricing, least disruption to instruction, and quickest resolution to our space constraints. If we are not in a financial position to proceed, the process would potentially be on hold for at least another year, causing the efficacy of the dollars given to decrease as costs continue to increase.
We do not want to get out ahead of God. We do not want to borrow large sums of money. We do not want to seek God’s hand of provision without first seeking His face. We DO want to see our BIG GOD accomplish this BOLD VISION in our day.
The Lord is faithful, and He will do it – in His time and for His glory. Is it possible that His time is now?
PRAY. GIVE. SHARE THE VISION.
Multiply Your Gift.
Methods to multiply your giving include:
Corporate Matching Gifts
Do you work for a corporation or business that will match your employee contributions to Cornerstone? Many companies have such programs, including Caterpillar, Country Financial and State Farm. Check with your employer to learn how to get the most out of your donation and volunteer hours.
Tax-Deductible Contributions
If you would like to make a donation of appreciated assets through contributions to a donor-advised fund or other avenues to make the most of your gift, please contact your Financial Advisor or our Advancement Director Ciara Corley. Additional information on Qualified Charitable Contributions (QCD) can be found here.
Gifts of Stock
CCA is able to receive gifts of stock as well as State Farm Mutual Funds.
Planned Gift
If you would like to leave a planned gift to Cornerstone Christian Academy, it is as simple as including the following language in your estate plans: “I leave (e.g., % of estate or $ amount) to Cornerstone Christian Academy of McLean County, Inc, an Illinois 501(c)3 organization (36-4164644), for the use and benefit of the school.”
Thank You!
When you give to Cornerstone, you are making a powerful, positive difference for our students, our families, and our school. You are also advancing God’s Kingdom through the ministry of His school.
Gifts can be mailed or dropped off at Cornerstone Christian Academy.
