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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.
John V. and Carol E. Winkle Scholarship Foundation Endowment Fund
The John V. and Carol E. Winkle Scholarship Foundation Endowment Fund was created to provide scholarships to high school graduates located within the Community Foundation’s service area. Graduates of Hinckley-Big Rock High School and home-schooled students are also eligible for these awards if they reside within the Community Foundation’s service area.
John (1938-2010) and Carol (Crishal) Winkle (1937-2023) of Batavia and then Aurora were born in Youngstown, Ohio. They were graduates of Ursuline High School and Youngstown State University.
In 1969, the Winkles moved to Illinois where John joined and would later acquire the Weldstar Company in Aurora.
“Wink” and Carol touched many lives through their philanthropic endeavors and in their service to various organizations, including the Association for Individual Development, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hesed House, Tri-City Family Services, area schools, and their churches (Holy Cross Parish and then Annunciation BVM).
Scholarships from their foundation will continue their belief in the potential of every human being and their sense of commitment to one’s community.
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.
Judy Whinfrey Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
The Judy Whinfrey Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund was created to honor the life of Judy Whinfrey, a well-known civic leader in the Fox Valley Area.
The fund has been launched with a generous gift from the Central DuPage Hospital Foundation (now known as Northwestern Medicine Foundation), which partnered with Hewitt Associates of Lincolnshire and Mrs. Whinfrey’s husband, Peter Whinfrey, to establish a significant endowment within the hospital foundation in Mrs. Whinfrey’s name.
Judy Whinfrey (1949-2010) was born in Evanston, Illinois. After graduation from the University of Illinois, she joined Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company, where she spent more than thirty years as a principal and managing consultant.
As one of the first women to become an account executive in the mid-1970s, she co-founded Hewitt’s Women in Leadership initiative. She also served on the Hewitt executive committee and was a past member of the company’s board of directors.
Mrs. Whinfrey was a member of the board of directors of Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois and Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. She served as chairman of the board of the hospital from 2004 to 2008.
She was the first female certificate member of the Chicago Golf Club and was a member of the Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, South Carolina, where she was the first female to play in the annual Blue-Grey matches.
Judy Whinfrey lived life to its fullest and was an inspiration to those whose lives she touched. It is in this spirit that a nursing scholarship was created with the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley.
Scholarships in Mrs. Whinfrey’s name will be awarded to graduates of East Aurora or West Aurora High School who are studying within the field of nursing to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in 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.
Myron L. & Frances B. Wormley Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund provides scholarships to students who have been active participants in the Kendall County 4-H Program.
Myron Wormley (1914-2006) was a graduate of East Aurora High School and the University of Illinois.
He farmed on the Wormley Farm near Oswego until 1959. He then began a career in real estate, retiring in the mid 1980’s.
Mr. Wormley also was the Oswego Township Supervisor for twenty-five years.
Frances Wormley (1918-2010) grew up on a farm in Millbrook.
She was a graduate of Yorkville High School and attended the University of Illinois.
Mrs. Wormley was an elder at the Oswego Presbyterian Church, where she also was the organist for many years.
She served on the board of directors of the YWCA Aurora and on the organizing board of what became Waubonsee Community College.
She also was a member of PEO, Republican Women, Eastern Star and the Grove Road Farmers Club.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund
The Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to recognize academically talented female students graduating from a high school located in the City of Aurora.
Eligible students must have earned an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale and also must be able to demonstrative positive values in the areas of character and leadership.
Zonta is an international professional business woman’s organization promoting improvement in the status and education of women through community service, study and action. The Aurora Club was established in 1959.
Federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to increase charter school quality and authorizer accountability. The three objectives identified in MDE’s application to ED are designed to support a landscape of high-quality/high-performing charter schools that all parents from all communities can access by making informed decisions about the best education choices for their children through empowered access to information.
Ethnic Studies 5-12 Courses: Community-Centered Knowledge Competitive Grant
Under Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B.251, legislation passed requiring all districts and charters to offer ethnic studies, including offering a high school ethnic studies course and integrated K-8 ethnic studies instruction. The purpose of the grant is to support districts and charters in the development, evaluation, and implementation of new 5-12 ethnic studies courses.
Minnesota School Districts, Charter Schools, Tribally Controlled Schools, Intermediate School Districts, and Cooperative Units are eligible for funding. Fiscal Year 2025 Ethnic Studies grant recipients are not eligible to apply for this round of funding.
All proposed grant projects must align with Minnesota’s definition of ethnic studies as stated in Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B.25.
The grant will provide three levels of support:
Total amount available: approximately $665,000.00 per fiscal year
Maximum grant request amount: $50,000.00
What We Fund
The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.
We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:
Dunham Foundation General Grants (Requests that exceed $50,000)
At the Dunham Foundation, we strive to honor John C. Dunham's vision for building a healthy, thriving community with our grantmaking.
Through these efforts, we support projects and programs in Education, Economic Growth, and Community that create measurable and lasting impact in the Dunham Foundation Service Area.
Organizations outside our service area are eligible if their programs directly impact residents within the Dunham Foundation Service Area.
Funded organizations are expected to submit a financial and program report at the conclusion of the grant. Reporting requirements will be outlined in the approval process and grant agreements. The reporting form will be available through the grant portal.
What We Fund
The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.
We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:
Abbreviated Grants ($50,000 or less)
We accept grant requests through online submissions on a rolling basis during the calendar year.
At the Dunham Foundation, we strive to honor John C. Dunham's vision for building a healthy, thriving community with our grantmaking.
Through these efforts, we support projects and programs in Education, Economic Growth, and Community that create measurable and lasting impact in the Dunham Foundation Service Area.
If your request aligns with our Economic Growth or Community priority areas and does not exceed $50,000, you may submit an application through the grant portal.
What We Fund
The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.
We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:
Dunham Foundation Education Grant
If your request supports programming for children, birth through high school, particularly programming scheduled to begin during the school year or summer, please sign into the Dunham Foundation’s online portal to complete an Education Application and submit it by February 1.
What We Fund
The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.
We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:
Dunham Foundation Sponsorship Requests
We accept grant requests for event sponsorships on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year. We recommend submitting your application at least 60 days prior to your event to allow sufficient time for Board of Directors review.
Request aligns with any of our priority areas and supports a fundraising event, such as an annual gala, golf outing, 5K, etc..
At the conclusion of the fundraising event, we ask that you submit a brief report outlining the results.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Rotary Club of Aurora Scholarship Endowment Fund
The Rotary Club of Aurora established this scholarship fund to support local graduating high school seniors who will be attending a two-year or four-year college or university. Preference will be given to students studying healthcare or education.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84 Scholarship Fund
The Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84 Scholarship Fund was created to provide scholarships to Aurora veterans and their family members.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Robert J. & Mary Jayne Pooley Endowment Fund
The Robert J. and Mary Jayne Pooley Endowment Fund was created by the couple’s family and friends at the time of Mary Jayne’s passing. The fund provides scholarships to students entering the field of nursing. Robert J. Pooley, Sr. (1928-2016) was a lifelong resident of Aurora. He attended St. Mary Grade School and East Aurora High School. He was a graduate of Iowa State University where he received a degree in general engineering. After college, Mr. Pooley returned to Aurora and joined his father to form Leon B. Pooley and Son Builders (later Robert J. Pooley, Inc.), a company that constructed single family homes in the Aurora area for thirty years. He also was a member of the Illinois Realtors Association. Mary Jayne Pooley (1936-2011) was born in Hannibal, Missouri. At the age of nine, her family moved to Aurora. She was a graduate of Madonna High School and St. Joseph School of Nursing, both in Aurora. She reentered the workforce in 1982 as a nurse and addictions counselor. Before her retirement in 2007, she worked for twenty-two years at the Community Counseling Center in Aurora. In 1957, Mr. and Mrs. Pooley were married at Holy Angels Church. They made their home in Aurora, raising six children.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Robert G. Schweitzer Scholarship Endowment Fund
This endowment, created to administer a bequest from Robert Schweitzer’s estate, provides scholarships to students who are majoring in a science-related field of study. Mr. Schweitzer (1918-1989) graduated from the Armour Institute of Technology of Chicago in 1940 with a degree in chemical engineering. He was employed at the National Can Company in Chicago for many years and was a resident of Oswego.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Richard H. Rokop, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Richard H. Rokop, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to residents of the City of Aurora, the Village of North Aurora and Aurora Township who are enrolled at the undergraduate level of study at a college or university. Richard Rokop (1941-2006) was born in Aurora, Illinois. After graduation from East Aurora High School, he began a thirty-year career at Northern Illinois Gas Company. Mr. Rokop was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, the Lions Club and the Phoenix Club. He served as a Kane County Republican Treasurer and was a member of the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District Board of Trustees. In honor of his longtime commitment to coaching, Mr. Rokop was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His wife, Jeanne Rokop, passed away in 2008. He was survived by three sons – Richard, Jr., Michael and Daniel.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Richard and Susan Schindel Undergraduate Education Scholarship Endowment Fund
The Richard and Susan Schindel Undergraduate Education Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to provide undergraduate scholarships for a graduating high school senior of Aurora Central Catholic High School, Aurora Christian High School, East Aurora High School, or West Aurora High School. Students must be attending an accredited institution of higher education in the United States of America. The type of school may be a two-year college or a four-year college or university to pursue a teaching certification in middle or secondary education.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Random Acts Matter Scholarship Fund
The purpose of the Random Acts Matter Scholarship Fund is to recognize one exceptional graduating senior from each of the St. Charles high schools (St. Charles North and St. Charles East) who are committed to making their community a better and kinder place to live through random acts of kindness and support. Random Acts Matter was founded on the idea that the power of care, compassion and kindness can change our community and the world. The scholarship was created to recognize high school students who see the world through the lens of kindness and then ACT in big ways and small. We feel that when students model this behavior it creates a ripple of kindness which impacts their families, other students, faculty, and the entire community. Random Acts Matter (RAM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing care and compassion in our community. We accept nominations for individual acts of kindness and participate in ongoing community outreach. Our mission is to inspire and connect people within the community, create awareness and advocate for our neighbors in need of care and compassion and create a community inspired to provide random acts of kindness and support.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Orville Peterson Health Care Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund provides scholarships to residents of the area served by Copley Memorial Hospital in Aurora to further their post graduate education in medicine, health administration or dentistry. The scholarship was established at the time of Orville Peterson’s retirement in 1976. Mr. Peterson (1910-1984) was president of Copley Memorial Hospital from 1946 until 1976. During that time, the hospital undertook three major building projects. Mr. Peterson also guided the remodeling of the Pediatric Department and the renovation of the 1888 building which later became the Kidney Dialysis Center. He often recalled and was deeply touched by the extraordinary commitment of the hospital’s physical therapy staff during the polio epidemic. “The staff just never left during that time.” Mr. Peterson passed away in 1984 in Long Beach, California. In the 1990’s, Copley Memorial Hospital (renamed Rush-Copley Medical Center) moved from its original location on Lincoln Avenue in Aurora to Ogden Avenue in Aurora.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Marvin F. & Geraldine E. Pilmer Scholarship Endowment Fund
The family of Marvin and Geraldine Pilmer created a scholarship fund shortly after the passing of Mr. Pilmer. In 2016, this scholarship fund became an endowment. Scholarships are reserved for students graduating from Waubonsee Community College. Marvin Pilmer (1929-1996) was a graduate of West Aurora High School. He attended Aurora University and graduated from the Realtor’s Institute. Mr. Pilmer founded Pilmer Real Estate, Inc. in 1971. At the time of his death, he was chief executive officer of the company. He had served as president of the Greater Aurora Association of Realtors, chairman of Our Savior Lutheran Church and chairman of the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce. He also had been a director of the Aurora Country Club, Copley Memorial Healthcare Foundation and Plum Landing. Geraldine Pilmer (1933-2015) was co-founder of Pilmer Real Estate. In addition to raising five children, Mrs. Pilmer volunteered for several community organizations including Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Lydia B. Raymond Scholarship Endowment Fund
A bequest from the estate of Lydia B. Raymond was received in 1980 to provide scholarships for public high school graduates in Aurora. In 2002, the Foundation reestablished the fund as an endowment to ensure ongoing recognition of her generosity. Lydia Raymond (1893-1979) lived most of her life in Aurora and attended the West Aurora Public Schools. She was a graduate of the University of Chicago and received certificates from the University of Paris, the Sorbonne and the University of Mexico. She taught language, social studies and French at West Aurora High School from 1918 until her retirement in 1958. Upon her retirement, she received a tribute from her students in the West Aurora EOS Yearbook. “This tribute is the voice of all students who under her tutelage learned from her much more than academic information. Raymond possessed that great quality of all truly dedicated teachers who inspire students to extend themselves, to persevere and to expand.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
John & Julia Onete Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund was established with a gift from the estate of Jacqueline Onete. It provides scholarships for young women who have graduated from Aurora high schools and/or Waubonsee Community College, and who are pursuing a degree in the arts. The fund is named for Jacqueline’s parents, John and Julia Onete.
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.
Gary A. & Mary Ruth Roberts Endowment Fund
The Gary A. & Mary Ruth Roberts Endowment Fund was created by Gary and Mary Ruth Roberts to foster educational opportunities for elementary, high school and college level individuals, as well as provide grants to local non-profit organizations. Gary and Mary Ruth Roberts are lifelong residents of the Aurora area. Mr. Roberts was born in Marion, Illinois. His family moved to Aurora when he was three years old. Upon graduation from East Aurora High School, he entered the military. In 1946 and 1947, Mr. Roberts served as a Lieutenant in the 1st Cavalry Division in Japan. He was employed by the Freeman United Coal Mining Company for thirty-nine years. He retired in 1987 having achieved the position of Vice-President of Sales. Mary Ruth Roberts (1928-2022) was a graduate of West Aurora High School. She continued her studies at the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Evanston, Illinois. She graduated from St. Francis and later from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. As a long-time cancer survivor, Mrs. Roberts was active with the American Cancer Society where she volunteered for thirty-five years as director of the Reach to Recovery Program.
Grants for preschools provide funding for early childhood education programs, facility improvements, and teacher training. The following grants empower organizations to enhance learning environments, promote school readiness, and support young children’s development.
Discover 8,000+ funding opportunities for preschools, with $3.44B available. Instrumentl offers grant-matching tools, deadline alerts, and funding intelligence to help organizations expand early learning programs and support child development.
How common are grants in this category?
Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for grants for Preschools?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Grants for Preschools?
Grants are most commonly $35,000.
Nonprofits that are eligible for preschools grants include licensed nonprofit preschools, early childhood education centers, houses of worship, and family-focused organizations that provide pre-K learning programs. Funders may also focus their grants on early childhood education programs and teacher training in their respective communities. Many grants require applicants to be 501(c)(3) organizations and may prioritize initiatives serving low-income families and children with special needs.
Grants in preschools typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 29.7% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.
Preschool grants support early childhood education programs, teacher training, curriculum development, and facility improvements. Funders also seek to enhance school readiness and learning environments, support working families, support young children's development, and improve access to quality early learning programs. There are more than 6,000 grants available and an impressive $2.95 billion in funding available for preschools and early childhood education.
Funding for preschools grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $35,000, while the average grant awarded is $653,168. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Of the $2.95 billion available in funding, nearly half come from private funders like the Cooke Foundation, the National Education Association Staff Organization, the James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation, and the Bell Charitable Foundation. In addition, there are many federal and state and local government funders that are providing grants for preschools and early childhood education in their respective areas.
Some of the key federal grants are from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Labor. There are also quite a bit of state-level organizations that are offering funding for Preschool grants like the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the New York State Office of Mental Health.
A carefully planned approach is needed in order to successfully win grants for preschools. To improve grant success, nonprofits should concentrate on all of these key areas:
Struggling to manage multiple grants? Learn how to stay organized with our comprehensive grant tracking spreadsheet guide.
Sifting through more than 6,000 grant opportunities can be daunting to say the least. Luckily Instrumentl simplifies the grant application process by helping nonprofits filter out relevant funding opportunities, analyze funder-giving patterns, and review detailed funder insights. That way, you can find the best-fitting grants right away and then tailor your applications to align with the grantor's priorities. See how Lutheran Braille Workers scaled their grant submissions by 150%.