donna bailey: finding a way to funds
Donna Bailey
Management B.A. ’97; Public Administration M.P.A. ‘07
Government Relations, Ameren Illinois Utilities
Against the Odds
The odds weren’t exactly in Donna Bailey’s favor when she wrote a proposal for P.O.R.A. (Positive Options Referrals and Alternatives), a Springfield agency that helps women on the street change their lives.
Assigned the proposal in a UIS class, Donna Bailey (BA Management ’97 MPA ’07) decided to try for some of the Sangamon County Community Foundation’s unrestricted funds—the Foundation’s most competitive program.
The steep odds didn’t phase Donna who certainly knows how to make things happen.
Determination and Persistence
In 1977, the determined 18-year old left her hometown of Quincy to come to Springfield with little more than a promise of a temporary job at the city’s utility company, now Ameren Illinois Utilities.
In the evenings and on weekends, she took college classes—one by one—and by the time Donna chose to write the proposal for P.O.R.A., she had a management degree from UIS and had almost finished her master’s degree in public administration. With that master’s, she now works in the governmental relations program at Ameran Illinois Utilities.
She credits UIS professors’ “genuine concern” with helping her succeed.
Making a Difference for Springfield
Donna's proposal succeeded as well: She gained $1,000 for P.O.R.A.’s food pantry.
She didn't stop there. Through her influence, her church now donates food to P.O.R.A. at Thanksgiving. And fellow church member, Kendra Newman, is doing her UIS internship at P.O.R.A.
And with her skills in hand, Donna has already written another grant that funded a neighborhood Health Fair.
Only at UIS
Donna’s story has UIS’ distinctives stamped all over it: A hard-working adult finishing a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the evening and on weekends. Professors who genuinely cared about her success. A real-life learning opportunity that demonstrated UIS’ commitment to the community. Success upon success, creating Brilliant Futures as it goes.
The now certified lobbyist says that writing grants for Springfield’s needy organizations is one way to repay the help she received when she needed it the most.
A Valuable Investment
Your gifts can help more students like Donna Bailey make a difference both here in Springfield and throughout the world. Please give generously.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact our office directly by calling 217.206.6058.
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