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 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.

The Henrietta Lange Burk Fund Grant supports arts, culture, education, and health care programs for underserved populations, particularly older adults. Established in 1994 as a memorial by Mrs. Henrietta Lange Burk, the fund emphasizes direct programming and research related to age-related health issues. Grants are typically awarded for one year, with a focus on organizations with operating budgets under $1 million located in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

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 Neighbors Uniting Scholarship Endowment Fund

Aurora Neighbors Uniting was organized in 1974 to promote neighborhood improvement in Aurora through the encouragement of neighborhood groups which work for safe, clean housing and public facilities. The organization also is an advocate for public improvements and community services throughout the City of Aurora. Scholarships from this fund are reserved for students graduating from Aurora Central, East Aurora, West Aurora or Rosary High School for attendance at Waubonsee Community College. The fund was created in 1989 and established as an endowment in 1992.

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 Rotary John M. Lies Service Above Self Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Rotary Club of Aurora created a scholarship endowment fund in 2013 to honor John M. Lies, a former club president. Scholarships from the fund are intended to recognize local students who demonstrate a strong commitment of service to their community and a sincere resolve to become exemplary members of society. John Lies was born in Aurora on June 8, 1946 and lived in Aurora his entire life. He attended West Aurora High School, the University of Michigan and Northern Illinois University. He married his wife Lynn in 1965.  The couple has three children – Robert, Michael and Kathy. Mr. Lies was the president of the Arnold Lies Company. He joined the family business in 1965 and worked at fully developing West Aurora Plaza. He also was a community leader who served as a director of the First American Bank, Merchants National Bank, Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Easter Seals, Rush-Copley Foundation, Rush-Copley Medical Center (chairman from 2002 to 2007), Rush-Copley Medical Center-Chicago and the Aurora Country Club. A dedicated Rotarian for thirty-seven years, Mr. Lies served as president of the club from 1987-1988. As an aviation enthusiast, he became a private pilot and a multi-engine instructor. Mr. Lies loved golf, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren.

The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enhance educational and cultural programs in Chicago and surrounding areas. Established in 1959, it aims to empower local communities through quality programming. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on arts, culture, and education. Grants typically last for one year, with a commitment to fostering community growth and development.

PLTW Launch

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to schools interested in implementing and our expanding their PLTW Launch programs.

PLTW Launch's 43 interdisciplinary modules bring learning to life. The program empowers students to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the world around them. And as students engage in hands-on activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they become creative, collaborative problem solvers ready to take on any challenge.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Launch programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

New Program

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule

• Total Award: $15,000
  • First Year: $10,000
  • Second Year: $5,000

PLTW Launch

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to schools interested in implementing and our expanding their PLTW Launch programs.

PLTW Launch's 43 interdisciplinary modules bring learning to life. The program empowers students to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the world around them. And as students engage in hands-on activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they become creative, collaborative problem solvers ready to take on any challenge.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Launch programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

Program Expansion

PLTW Gateway

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a long-time supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to schools interested in implementing or expanding their PLTW Gateway programs.

Middle school is a time of exploration, a time when students are figuring out what they're passionate about today and how that relates to who they'll become tomorrow. During this transitional time, PLTW Gateway's 10 units empower students to lead their own discovery. The hands-on program boosts classroom engagement and excitement, drives collaboration, and inspires “aha! moments” and deep comprehension. And as students engage in PLTW's activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they see a range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Gateway programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

Program Expansion

PLTW Gateway

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a long-time supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to schools interested in implementing or expanding their PLTW Gateway programs.

Middle school is a time of exploration, a time when students are figuring out what they're passionate about today and how that relates to who they'll become tomorrow. During this transitional time, PLTW Gateway's 10 units empower students to lead their own discovery. The hands-on program boosts classroom engagement and excitement, drives collaboration, and inspires “aha! moments” and deep comprehension. And as students engage in PLTW's activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they see a range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Gateway programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

New Program

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule

• Total Award: $20,000
  • First Year: $10,000
  • Second Year: $10,000

PLTW Engineering

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a long-time supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to high schools interested in implementing or expanding their PLTW Engineering programs.

PLTW Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and make the leap from dreamers to doers. The program's courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Engineering programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

New Program

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule

• Total Award: $30,000
  • First Year: $15,000
  • Second Year: $15,000

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial supports farmers by enhancing their marketing and technology capabilities. Grants can be utilized for branding, website creation, and payment technologies, as well as essential equipment like scales and tents. This initiative aims to promote direct consumer engagement and strengthen local food systems, ensuring fresh produce accessibility while fostering economic growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants must be Compeer clients actively participating in verified farmers markets.

Compeer Financial's Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program aims to enhance collaboration among rural fire, rescue, and ambulance departments by providing funding for specialized equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 support projects that improve emergency response capabilities, encouraging teamwork among departments serving adjacent jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must operate within Compeer's 144-county territory and demonstrate a clear plan for equipment use. This initiative underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring effective emergency services in rural areas.

PLTW Engineering

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a long-time supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to high schools interested in implementing or expanding their PLTW Engineering programs.

PLTW Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and make the leap from dreamers to doers. The program's courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Engineering programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

Program Expansion

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 Rotary Lyle E. Oncken Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Rotary Club of Aurora created a scholarship fund in 1991 to honor Lyle E. Oncken (1924-2014), a Rotarian who served as club secretary from 1973-1992. Mr. Oncken retired from his position as executive director of INC Mental Health Alliance in 1990. Scholarships from this fund are available to students from throughout the Foundation’s service area who are entering any field of study. However, preference is given to students entering fields that reflect Mr. Oncken’s lifetime interests, primarily in the area of social services.

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 Township Youth Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Aurora Township Youth Foundation has supported a scholarship program within the Community Foundation since 1993. These scholarships are available to students attending a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The awards are reserved for students pursuing studies within the fields of social work or social studies or pursuing a social service career. Students who are graduating from Waubonsee Community College with an associate’s degree also are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Students must reside in Aurora Township and be graduates of a high school located within the township.

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 Veterans Advisory Council Community Scholarship Fund

The Aurora Veterans Advisory Council Fund was created in 1998 to address the most pressing issues impacting local military personnel who have served our country in a branch of the United States military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard). In 2015, the Council established the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council Community Scholarship Fund. Each year, this fund will provide five $1,000 scholarships to family members of Aurora veterans.

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.

Austin and Melissa Dempsey Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Austin & Melissa Dempsey Family Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to provide scholarships for students who have graduated from Rosary, Marmion, or Batavia High School. Students must also reside in the Community Foundation’s service area. Students must attend an accredited institution of higher education in the United States of America on a full-time basis. The type of school may be a two-year college; a professional, trade, or vocational school; or a four-year college or university. Scholarships from this fund will be merit based and not dependent on financial need of the student.

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.

Barbara Burgin & Edwin & Carol Ehrhart Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers that will positively impact the environment and its inhabitants. Barbara Burgin (1907-1993) was born on a farm near Wheaton, Illinois. She later moved to Aurora, where she lived most of her life. During World War II, Mrs. Burgin was a butcherette at the Kroger Grocery Store in downtown Aurora. When the men returned from the war and assumed those positions, she became manager of several departments at Krogers. Her daughter Carol Ehrhart (1932-2018) was born in Aurora. A graduate of East Aurora High School, Mrs. Ehrhart was employed at Lyon Metal in Aurora. In 2008, she received an award from the City of Aurora as one of the city’s Volunteers of the Year. Mrs. Ehrhart volunteered for the Aurora Public Library and the Friendly Center Club at the Fox Valley Park District. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Her husband Edwin Ehrhart (1910-1984) was born on a farm in Naperville. He attended the Naperville schools and also worked at Lyon Metal. Mr. Ehrhart was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. This fund, which was created in 2005, became an endowment in 2007. Mrs. Ehrhart established the fund to encourage local students to further their educations. As she stated, “Education is essential to our survival and it is my hope that these scholarships will make a difference in the lives of future generations.”

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.

Child Welfare Society Endowment Fund

This fund was created to provide income for the educational, health and welfare needs of children. This fund also supports annual scholarships for local students who are majoring in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education. The Child Welfare Society was established in 1938 to assist children requiring transportation to medical facilities. The following year, the membership identified day care as a critical unmet need for the children of women working in defense industries. The organization responded by opening the Jack and Jill Nursery School on Beach Street in Aurora. Several years later, the school relocated to Clark and LaSalle Street where it remained for most of its history. In 1997, it made its final move to the Carriage House at Mutual Ground on Oak Avenue. The school closed in the summer of 2001. Funds to operate the school were raised by members who volunteered at the Gift Corner and through various fundraisers supported by the community. The Gift Corner opened in 1949 at Copley Memorial Hospital. In 1986, the shop moved to its current location at Dreyer Medical Clinic on Galena Boulevard. 

Ameren Illinois Grants aim to enhance community quality of life through funding in areas like arts, civic engagement, environmental preservation, health services, and youth education. Organizations within the Ameren Illinois service area are eligible, provided they are tax-exempt and do not discriminate unlawfully. Applications are accepted year-round, but those submitted after December 1 may be reviewed the following year. This initiative supports diverse community enrichment and resource provision for vulnerable populations.

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.

Coffman Diesel-Automotive Scholarship Fund

The Coffman Diesel/Automotive Scholarship Fund was established by Coffman Truck Sales to award scholarships to area students. Eligibility for the scholarship is restricted to students who have graduated from a high school located within the Foundation’s service area, are home-educated high school graduates, or are General Educational Development (GED) recipients. Students entering their freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year of undergraduate studies may also apply for these awards. Students must reside in the Community Foundation’s service area. Students must attend an accredited institution of higher education within the United States of America on a full-time basis. The type of school may be a two-year college or a professional, trade, or vocational school. Students must pursue the field of Auto Mechanics/Automotive/Diesel Truck Mechanics.

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.

Community Foundation Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Community Foundation has administered a scholarship program since 1949.  Since that time, millions of dollars have been distributed to Fox River Valley area students in support of their educational futures. In 1986, the Community Foundation Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in honor of all students who have received a scholarship through the Community Foundation Scholarship Program.  This fund is supported primarily through gifts received from those students.

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.

Coronado Dental Scholarship Fund

The Coronado Dental Scholarship Fund was created by Dr. Narda J. Coronado. Dr. Coronado was born and raised in Aurora. She attended Bardwell Elementary School and Waldo Junior High School. She is a graduate of East Aurora High School and the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. In 1990, she began her career in several different offices in Chicago’s suburbs before starting her own practice.  She returned to Aurora in 1996, where she continues to practice today. Dr. Coronado donated time to St. Basil’s Free Clinic in Chicago for over ten years, providing dental services to needy adults and children. She also has served on the Community Foundation Scholarship Committee for the past several years. Dr. Coronado created a scholarship fund within the Community Foundation to support local students entering the field of dentistry and medicine. As she stated, “I enjoy the field of dentistry so much and hope that this scholarship fund will encourage future students to pursue dentistry as a profession.”

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.

Daniel C. Deufel Vocational Scholarship Endowment Fund

Scholarships from this fund are available to students entering a vocational field of study at a trade school or college. Created in 1977, the fund became an endowment in 2014. Daniel Deufel was born in Chicago, Illinois. He is a graduate of Morgan Park High School where he won the Chicago City Championship in swimming. Mr. Deufel received a degree in Industrial Management from Purdue University. Upon graduation, he worked in the automobile industry. In 1970, he moved to Aurora after purchasing the Magill Beverage Company. He renamed the company, Superior Beverage Inc., in honor of his mother and father to whom he attributes his good fortune. To this day, he continues to oversee the company. Mr. Deufel has four children (two boys and two girls) who also are graduates of Purdue University. His two sons are employed in the family business. In addition to his affiliation with the Community Foundation, Mr. Deufel also is a supporter of several charitable organizations.

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.

Dr. William H. Blackburn Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

Dr. William H. Blackburn (1917-1985) practiced medicine at Dreyer Medical Clinic from 1942 until 1985.  He was president of the clinic and also served as Chief of Staff at Copley Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He maintained memberships in numerous professional and civic organizations.  He was president of the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, a director of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, and founding board member of the First American Bank and the Bank of Boulder Hill. Scholarships from Dr. Blackburn’s fund are reserved for graduate level students studying in the field of medicine. The fund was created in 1985 and established as an endowment in 1998.

The Chicago Artistic Vitality Grant supports over 175 small, professional arts organizations across various disciplines. It provides essential unrestricted operational funding that allows these organizations to thrive while encouraging artistic innovation. Grantees must be 501(c)(3) public charities or have fiscal sponsors, with expenses under $1 million per year. The grant aims to foster a vibrant arts ecosystem in Chicago, ensuring diverse artistic expressions in every neighborhood, and promotes the sustainability of emerging talent.

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.