Best DeKalb County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Loraine Heriaud Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to honor the life of Loraine Heriaud (1915-2003).

Mrs. Heriaud was born in Toronto, Canada. She was a graduate of East Aurora High School and was employed for thirteen years by Provena Mercy Center as a C.N.A. in the Pediatrics Unit.

She was the mother of fourteen children. Her son Frederick was the Aurora Area’s first soldier to be killed in action during the Vietnam War. Her husband Earl passed away in 1969.

This fund, created in 2002, was established as an endowment in 2003 to provide scholarships for students entering the field of nursing.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Winteringham Family Permanent Endowment Fund

The Winteringham Family Permanent Endowment Fund was established through a generous bequest received from the estate of Marian Winteringham

Marian (1901-1994) taught in the West Aurora School System for over forty years. For the first half of her career, she taught at Abraham Lincoln and Nancy Hill Elementary Schools. In the early 1940s, she joined the faculty of West Aurora High School, where she taught English and also served as Dean of Women for many years.

This fund was created by Marian as a memorial to her parents Arthur J. and Minnie Winteringham, her sister Claire Winteringham, and her brother and sister-in-law Sidney and Frederika Winteringham. Although her bequest was unrestricted, Marian requested that at least a portion of her gift be used to provide scholarships for students entering the field of teaching. 

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

The Whinfrey Scholarship for the Visually Impaired Endowment Fund

The Whinfrey Scholarship for the Visually Impaired Endowment Fund was created to give back to the Aurora community where the Whinfrey siblings grew up and attended school. The fund represents their appreciation for the teachers, administrators, and families who taught them integrity, humility, and generosity. The fund was endowed in 2024.

The family understands first-hand the need to advocate and create accommodations for students experiencing blindness. Scholarships such as this are one way to create equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

William “Skip” Rowe Scholarship Fund

William “Skip” Rowe was a father and husband who spent his entire life taking care of his family, friends and the many young people in the community. Skip was able to make friends with people from all backgrounds, and he was known to be a father-figure and mentor to many young men that just needed a trusted adult to help keep them on the right path. This fund was created to honor his memory and will help to provide support to a male student going into the field of education. This scholarship was made possible by the many friends and family that loved Skip and continue to benefit from his endless generosity, passion and love.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Willett & Peffers Families Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established by Martha Willett Peffers to provide scholarships for students entering the field of music.

Mrs. Peffers (1911-2004) was a graduate of West Aurora High School. She received a degree in philosophy from the University of Illinois and a teaching certificate from Aurora College. She also attended the Art Institute of Chicago.

A lifelong Auroran, Mrs. Peffers was a member of the Tuesday Garden Club, the West Side Reading Circle and Chapter BT of P.E.O.

Her husband Hopkins Stolp Peffers (1905-1995) attended Culver Military Academy in Indiana where he later taught. He also attended the University of Wisconsin.

Mr. Peffers was a manager and consultant in the field of public transportation for many years.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Swami Vivekananda Scholarship Fund

This fund was created by the City of Aurora’s Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board (IACOAB).

IACOAB’s mission is to embrace, preserve and promote the heritage and contributions of Indian American’s while promoting civic engagement and encouraging Indian Americans to increase their involvement in Aurora’s growth.

The IACOAB created the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship Fund to support college-bound high school seniors to further their education in a field of their choice. Applicants must have demonstrated exemplary community service. 

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Robert H. & Shirley N. Waldo Scholarship Endowment Fund

Robert and Shirley Waldo bequeathed a portion of their estate to provide scholarships for local students.

Shirley Waldo (1923-2002) was a graduate of West Aurora High School. She received a teaching degree from DeKalb Teachers College and a master’s degree from Northwestern University.

She was an educator in the East Aurora School System for twelve years. In addition, Mrs. Waldo was a past president of the Copley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, director of the Women’s Chicago District Golf Association and member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Her husband Robert Waldo (1911-2007) was born in Sycamore.

His family moved to Aurora the following year when his father K.D. Waldo was appointed principal of East Aurora High School. K.D. Waldo was later named superintendent of the East Aurora Schools.

Robert Waldo studied at North Central College and the University of Illinois. He was a proprietor of Healy Chapel and later of Daleiden Mortuary.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Richard James & William Alfred Wulff Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established by William Alfred “Bill” Wulff (1943-2021) in honor of his twin brother, Richard James “Dick” Wulff. Scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing a career in the medical field, such as nursing. At the age of 19, Dick passed away following complications from heart surgery; he had recently graduated from Marmion Academy and was attending Parsons School of Design. Bill was a cancer survivor, as is his sister; their mother also had cancer and their father underwent heart surgery. Along with honoring Dick’s memory, this fund is intended to honor and encourage the nursing profession that made such an impact on the Wulff family.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

DeKalb County Healthcare Professional Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Fund is to contribute to the educational expenses for students who are permanent residents of DeKalb County, IL. currently enrolled or committed to beginning a college degree or health-related program(s) that prepare students for careers in the allied health professions, and have an immediate family member employed by Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital or Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital; or is a volunteer at either hospital.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Arch J. Dewey Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

Scholarships from this fund are awarded to students entering the field of aviation.

Arch J. Dewey (1912-1988) was a well-known Aurora aviator who served in both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Air Force.

He piloted the City of Aurora B-17 Bomber during World War II. The bomber was so named to honor Aurora residents who purchased war bonds to finance the plane.

In remembrance of his love of aviation, his wife Jane created this scholarship to encourage and assist future students entering this field of study.

The fund was created in 1988 and established as an endowment in 1989.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Dan and Tracey Stellato Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

Scholarships from this fund are available to residents of the Foundation’s service area.

BEI Holdings is a multi-generational real estate, property management and development firm established in 1959 by the Dempsey Family. BEI Holdings has always remained steadfast in their devotion to communities in the Fox Valley.

Dan and Tracey Stellato have always placed a high level of importance on education for their three sons, Nicholas, Michael and Marc Anthony. The proud parents have watched their sons achieve much success after the boys earned their college diplomas.

The Stellato family would like to help others who look to chart their future with higher education and this scholarship, funded by BEI Holdings, and administered through the Community Foundation, feels like a great way to achieve this important goal.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Margaret Mercer Stewart Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created by Margaret Mercer Stewart to support the education of nursing students.

Mrs. Stewart (1912-2005) was born in Aurora, Illinois. She graduated from West Aurora High School and attended North Central College.

She was drawn to nursing, graduated from the Evanston Illinois Hospital School of Nursing in 1934 and then served as a school nurse in Evanston.

In 1935, she married Thomas Graeme Stewart, a descendent of the pioneer Stewart farming family of Tamarack (now Plainfield) Illinois.

The couple resided on and farmed the ancestral land from 1937 until Mr. Stewart’s death in 1970.

Since that time, Mrs. Stewart continued to live on the farmstead and rented the land for agricultural purposes.

She was able to achieve her wish of living on the farm until her death due in part to the care provided by her home health care aides.

Mrs. Stewart was an artist, skilled in several media including pastels, oils and watercolors. She won numerous awards at both local and state levels.