Best Kendall County Grants for Nonprofits in Illinois

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.

Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board Fund

The Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board created a scholarship fund within the Community Foundation to assist college-bound students who reside in the Aurora community. The organization works to educate the public about the history of Hispanics who helped to shape the City of Aurora. Their goal is to instill pride in Aurora’s youth regarding their heritage by honoring those who have made a difference in the community. A celebratory breakfast is held each January to pay tribute to those students receiving scholarships from the 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.

Steven John Duranceau Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Steven John Duranceau Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to honor the life of Steven Duranceau.

The fund awards scholarships to residents of the Community Foundation’s service area who are or have been actively involved in the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts.

Steven Duranceau (1955-2006) was a graduate of St. Rita of Cascia School and West Aurora High School.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in business at Illinois State University.

He was employed at MetLife as a customer relations account manager. When MetLife merged with United Healthcare in 1996, he assumed a position as account executive at the new firm.

While attending St. Rita of Cascia School, Mr. Duranceau was active in Boy Scout Troop 53 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America. He later became scout master for a troop in Aurora.

An avid runner, Mr. Duranceau completed twelve marathons – eight in Chicago, one in Milwaukee, one in Phoenix and two in Orlando.

The fund was endowed in 2019.

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.

Maude A. Dewey & Vivian Dewey Watson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to honor the lives of Maude Dewey and her daughter, Vivian Dewey Watson.

Maude Dewey taught music for many years in area country schools and gave private lessons in piano and voice. She died in 1968.

Vivian Watson, who died in 1979, also gave private lessons in voice, piano and organ.

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

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.

Jill Hanses Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Jill Hanses Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to support young adults who have an interest in animal welfare causes. This fund provides scholarships to local students pursuing a career in veterinarian science or a related field.

Passionate, dedicated, driven – these are just a few of the terms used to describe Jill C. Hanses of St. Charles, Illinois. Born on Valentine’s Day 1962 in Elgin, Illinois, Jill spent most of her life in the Fox Valley area. An incredible business woman and generous philanthropist, Jill supported a number of local charitable causes. Jill dedicated both time and resources to causes that were important to her. Jill was a longtime board member, treasurer, president and volunteer for Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin. She was active in Kiwanis Club of St. Charles and a supporter of Elderday Senior Services in Batavia and CASA of Kane County.

Jill passed away in January of 2015, but her life and legacy in the Fox Valley area will continue thanks to her husband Andy and the creation of this scholarship fund.

Anderson Animal Shelter will forever be grateful for Jill’s generosity and kindness. Jill and Andy’s contributions and passion for the animals and Anderson will live on through the creation of the Jill Hanses Scholarship Endowment 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.

Jack & Naomi Hastert Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created in 1998 by former Congressman and Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert as a memorial to his parents Jack and Naomi Hastert.

The fund, which provides scholarships to students in Kendall County, Illinois, became an endowment in 2010.

Jack Hastert (1913-1998) was born in Joliet, Illinois of second generation Luxembourg and Norwegian immigrants.

He was a graduate of Joliet Township High School and the Worsham College of Mortuary Science.

He worked for the George Boyle Funeral Home of Aurora and the Fred Dames Funeral Home of Joliet.

From 1940 to 1960, Mr. Hastert was the proprietor of Hastert Farm Supply of Aurora and rural Oswego.

From 1960 through his retirement, he owned and operated the Clock Tower Restaurant in Plainfield and was Food Services Director at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet.

Naomi Hastert (1914-1994) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania of second generation German immigrants.

She had to quit high school (Joliet Township) at the height of the depression to support her family (mother, father and three younger brothers and sisters). She was the sole supporter of her family through most of the depression.

Mrs. Hastert was a straight A student when she left high school and always valued education.

She worked hard throughout her life to make sure her children and grandchildren received the education she had not been able to receive. Her sons were the first in their family to earn college degrees.

Mr. and Mrs. Hastert were married in 1940 and had three sons – Chris, David and J. Dennis Haste

Dennis Taylor Scholarship Foundation

The foundation was established to confer scholarships on students majoring in Performing Arts (Theatre, Dance, Vocal and Instrumental Music) at the College/University level as well as grants for performing arts classes, seminars, and related expenses, or for costs associated with college/university applications and auditions for students of the Performing Arts as determined by the Board of Directors. Scholarships are available to applicants residing in the Northern Illinois area. College/University Scholarships are expected to be $500-$1000 and Performing Arts grants will be in the order of $300. Recipients will audition and be selected on a merit basis by the Board of Directors. The Scholarship Foundation has been set up in memory of Dennis Taylor who served as a dancer, choreographer, costumer and wig designer in the western suburbs for more than five decades.

Dennis Taylor Scholarship Foundation: Performing Arts Grant

Grant Applications are accepted at any time of year, preferable 6-8 weeks prior to the performing arts class, seminar, workshop, or similar event.

Performing arts students may request a grant to cover expenses associated with college/university applications or auditions.

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.

H. Marshall Glenn Scholarship Endowment Fund

The H. Marshall Glenn Scholarship Endowment Fund was established through the receipt of a bequest from the estate of his wife Margaret F. Glenn (1916-2006).

Mrs. Glenn was born in Ashton, Illinois and moved to Aurora when she was six. She was a graduate of Madonna High School. In 1953, she married H. Marshall Glenn (1906-1996).

Mr. Glenn was born in Plainfield, Indiana. He owned the Marshall Glenn Insurance Agency from 1949 until his retirement in 1993. The business was located at 33 South Fourth Street in Aurora.

Mr. Glenn had formerly been employed by the Chrysler Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, King Seeley Corporation in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Travelers Insurance Company and American Auto Insurance Company.

Scholarships from his fund will be available to residents of the Fox Valley area who are furthering their educations at a two-year college, a four-year college or university, or a trade or vocational school.

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.

Hearts for Hanah Scholarship Fund

The Hearts for Hanah Scholarship Fund was originally established to celebrate the life of Hanah Rae Friel, who underwent an intensive cancer treatment program including chemotherapy, radiation, blood transfusions, tumor resections, and stem-cell transplants. After thirty-seven days in the hospital and two years of battling Stage IV neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer, Hanah was declared cancer free.

Today, Hanah continues to pursue an education toward a bachelor’s degree in social work, hoping to work with either foster kids or pediatric oncology patients as a Child Life Specialist. The Hearts for Hanah scholarship fund provide scholarships for students who have the same desire to give back to their community and help young children, just as Hanah dreams.

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.

Hamling Family Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Hamling Family Nursing Scholarship Fund was created as a memorial to Kathleen Hamling by her family.

Scholarships from the fund are reserved for students entering the field of nursing who are residents of the Community Foundation’s service area.

Graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students or graduate level students are eligible to apply for these awards.

Students must attend an accredited institution of higher education on a full-time basis for the purpose of attaining a degree in nursing, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

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.

Gary and Mary Hauge Scholarship Fund

Gary and Mary grew up in families of modest means, where value and affordability were important considerations. Their own educational paths began at Joliet Junior College before they went on to graduate from Northern Illinois University, and the strong foundation they received there played an important role in their careers.

To extend similar opportunities to others, Gary and Mary established this fund to support first-generation students in the area who are attending Waubonsee Community College.

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.

Fox Valley Earth Day Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created in 1990 to receive and distribute charitable contributions for the benefit of the Fox Valley Area’s celebration of Earth Day 1990.

The event was held on April 22, 1990 to coincide with the worldwide observance of Earth Day.

In 1993, the balance remaining in the fund and the addition of subsequent donations were used to establish an endowed scholarship for students enrolling in programs related to environmental fields of study.

The Earth Day Scholarship Fund serves as a reminder that the survival of our world is dependent upon attitudes and lifestyles which are ecologically sensitive and compassionate.

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.

Erlenborn Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

A bequest was received in 1983 from the estate of Viola Erlenborn (1900-1983) to provide scholarships to local students in memory of her husband and son.

In 2002, the Foundation reestablished the fund as an endowment to ensure ongoing recognition of her generosity.

Her husband Alan Erlenborn (1895-1962) served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army during World War I.

After the war, he joined his father Albert J. Erlenborn in the family business on River Street in Aurora.

Albert Erlenborn founded the firm in 1889 as a seed, fertilizer and paper supply company.

Alan Erlenborn later became president and owner of the company, which was renamed Erlenborn Office Supplies.

Alan Erlenborn, Jr. (1921-1944), whose photo is above on the right, served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and was assigned to the South Pacific in April 1944.

He died in July of that year during active duty in Guam. He received the Purple Heart Medal and is buried in Honolulu, Hawaii.

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.

Eagle Scout Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created by a local citizen to support scholarships for young men who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America.

Eligible students must have attended a high school in the Foundation’s service area.

This scholarship was established to honor those who have achieved the Eagle Scout Award and to encourage the progress of younger students aspiring to earn this prestigious scouting award.

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.

Brian Farnham Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund, created in 1995 to honor the life of Brian Farnham, was established as an endowment in 2005.

Brian Farnham (1977-1993) attended Our Lady of Good Counsel School until the eighth grade.

He participated in Cub Scouts at the school and was an avid basketball and football player.

He then attended Newark High School and represented the school at a downstate academic contest as a member of the JET’s Team.

He was named an All-American Scholar and was admitted into membership in the Who’s Who of American High School Scholars.

Brian died on June 5, 1993 in an automobile accident.

This fund provides scholarships to students entering “people-oriented” vocations such as the social sciences, health science, medicine, engineering, music and theology.